extrasensory

Extrasensory perception (ESP) refers to purported information acquisition or influence that occurs outside the five known senses or beyond ordinary perceptual channels. The term is primarily used within parapsychology to describe abilities that cannot be explained by current scientific theories of perception and cognition. The concept is controversial, and ESP is not accepted as scientifically proven by the mainstream scientific community.

Commonly described forms include telepathy (thought transmission between minds), clairvoyance (perception of distant events or objects without sensory cues), precognition (knowledge of future events), and psychokinesis (influence of physical objects or systems through mental intent). Some discussions also include near-term phenomena such as retrocognition, but these are debated.

Interest in ESP surged in the early 20th century. Researchers such as J. B. Rhine conducted laboratory studies using standardized test materials (often Zener cards) and reported above-chance performance. Later work used Ganzfeld conditions intended to reduce sensory input. Replicability and experimental controls have been central issues in evaluations of these findings.

Despite decades of research, no ESP finding has achieved consensus replication under rigorous methodology. Meta-analyses yield small effects that can be attributed to methodological flaws, publication bias, or chance. The prevailing view in mainstream science is that ESP remains unproven; extraordinary claims require robust, extraordinary evidence.

Within culture, ESP features in science fiction, parapsychology, and media portrayals of supernatural ability. Institutions such as psychical research societies and ESP-focused laboratories exist, but their work remains fringe relative to established psychology and neuroscience.