telepath

A telepath is a person who is alleged to possess telepathy, the purported ability to communicate information directly from one mind to another without the use of ordinary sensory channels. The term derives from Greek tele meaning far and pathos meaning feeling or perception.

Telepathy is typically described as two main capabilities: telepathic communication, the direct transmission of thoughts between individuals, and telepathic perception, the covert sensing of another person's mental state or information. In many depictions, telepaths can project thoughts, read minds at a distance, or influence others' thoughts. The concept is common in science fiction and fantasy, where it serves to enable rapid cross‑emotional or cognitive interaction and to explore questions of consent and power.

Scientific status: In mainstream science, telepathy is not considered proven. Investigations fall under parapsychology, but no experimental evidence has yielded reliable, reproducible results under rigorous controls. Critics point to methodological flaws, lack of replication, and alternative explanations such as misinterpretation of behavior or chance. Consequently, telepathy is generally treated as a topic of fiction or speculative inquiry rather than an established phenomenon.

Cultural presence: Telepathy is a frequent plot device in literature, film, and television, used to examine communication, privacy, ethics, and identity. It appears across genres, from superhero narratives to dystopian futures, and is also found in folklore and certain spiritual traditions as a form of heightened sensitivity or trance. See also parapsychology, psychic, mind reading.