Jump to content

Telekinesis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 69.157.250.50 (talk) at 20:36, 10 February 2007 (→Types of abilities - classification). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Psychokinesis (Greek Template:Polytonic + Template:Polytonic, literally "mind-movement") or PK, also known as telekinesis[1] (Greek Template:Polytonic + Template:Polytonic, literally "distant-movement") or TK, is the proposed paranormal ability of the mind to influence matter or energy without the use of any currently known type of physical means.[2] For instance, psychokinesis might be used to distort or move an object,[3] or to influence a random number generator.[4]

Terminology

"Telekinesis" was coined in 1890[5] by German-Russian psychical researcher Alexander N. Aksakof.[6][7][8]

"Psychokinesis" was coined in 1914[9] by American author-publisher Henry Holt in his book On the Cosmic Relations[10] and adopted by his friend, American parapsychologist J. B. Rhine in 1934 in connection with experiments to determine if a person could influence the outcome of falling dice.[11][12]

Both terms have been described by other names, such as "remote influencing," "distant influencing," "remote mental influence," "distant mental influence,"[13] "directed conscious intention," and "mind over matter."[14]

Originally telekinesis was coined to refer to the movement of objects thought to be caused by ghosts of deceased persons, mischievous spirits, demons, or other supernatural forces.[15] Later when speculation increased that humans might be the source of the witnessed phenomena (that which was not caused by fraudulent mediums)[16] and could possibly cause movement without any connection to a spiritualistic setting, such as in a darkened séance room, psychokinesis was added to the lexicon, this done to differentiate between the earlier use of the term telekinesis.[17]

Eventually, psychokinesis was the preferred term by the parapsychological community (and still is) and it was suggested that telekinesis become obsolete.[18] Popular culture, however, such as movies, television, and literature, over the years preferred telekinesis to describe the paranormal movement of objects likely due to the word's resemblance to other terms, such as telepathy, teleportation, telephone, and television.[19]

Psychokinesis, then, is the general term that can be used to describe a variety of complex mental force phenomena (including object movement) and telekinesis is used to refer only to the movement of objects, however tiny (a grain of salt or air molecules to create wind)[20][21] or large (an automobile, building, or bridge).[22] Hypothetically, a person could have very profound telekinetic ability, but not be able to produce any of the additional effects found in psychokinesis, such as softening the metal of a spoon to allow its bending with minimal physical force. Conversely, someone who has succeeded in psychokinetically softening metal once or a number of times may exhibit no telekinetic ability to move objects.

Grammatical forms

Psychokinesis: psychokinetic (adjective or noun, a person), psychokinetically (adverb), psychokineticist (noun; rare), PK, PKer.

Telekinesis: telekinetic (adjective or noun, a person), telekinetically (adverb), telekineticist (noun; rare), TK, TKer.

Measurement and observation

Currently parapsychology researchers describe two basic types of measurable and observable psychokinetic and telekinetic effects in experimental laboratory research and in case reports occurring outside of the laboratory.[23][24][25]

Micro-PK or micro-TK is a very small effect, such as the manipulation of molecules, atoms,[26] subatomic particles,[27] etc., which can only be observed with scientific equipment. The words are abbreviations for micro-psychokinesis, micropsychokinesis;[28] micro-telekinesis, microtelekinesis.

Macro-PK or macro-TK is a large-scale effect which can be seen with the unaided eye. The words are abbreviations for macro-psychokinesis, macropsychokinesis; macro-telekinesis, macrotelekinesis.

The adjective phrases "microscopic-scale," "macroscopic-scale," "small-scale," and "large-scale" may also be used; for example, "a small-scale PK effect."

Spontaneous effects

Spontaneous psychokinesis and telekinesis are also believed possible and have been reported. Parapsychologist William G. Roll coined the term "recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis" (RSPK) in 1958.[29] The sudden movement of objects without deliberate intention in the presence or vicinity of one or more witnesses is thought to be related to as-yet-unknown PK/TK processes of the subconscious mind.[30]

Types of abilities - classification

Notable claimants of psychokinetic or telekinetic ability

  • Uri Geller, the Israeli famous for his spoon-bending demonstrations, allegedly by PK.[31]

See also these Wikipedia Category lists:

Belief in telekinesis

In September 2006, a survey conducted by phone and mail-in questionnaire polled Americans on their belief in telekinesis. Of these participants 28 percent of male participants selected "agree" or "strongly agree" with the statement It is possible to influence the world through the mind alone, as did 31 percent of female participants. There were 1,721 participants, and the poll had a margin of error of plus or minus four percent.[33]

Cultural references

Main article: List of cultural references to psychokinesis and telekinesis


  • In the 1976 film Carrie, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, Sissy Spacek portrays a troubled high school student with telekinetic powers.[34]
  • In the Star Wars movie series, numerous characters have the ability to control the movement of objects using "the Force."
  • Telekinetic or similar abilities are often found in fictional characters in comic books, such as Jean Grey of the X-Men.
  • In NBC's show Heroes, the character Sylar has telekinetic abilities.

Telekinesis (Charmed)

Many of the Characters in Charmed have the gift of Telekinesis. Such as Melinda Warren, Brianna Warren, Penelope Halliwell,Prudence Halliwell, Paige Matthews Mittchell, Wyatt Matthews Halliwell, Chris Perry Halliwell. The gift of Telekinesis is very pourpular in charmed. The first one who appers with the gift is Prudence Halliwell, Penelope Halliwell, Melinda Warren , Brianna Warren, Paige Matthews Mitchell, Wyatt Matthews Halliwell and then Chris perry Halliwell. In charmed the gift turns On when you are angry. Phoebe figure that out in the first episode in charmed. When prue needed asprin and she could't find it phoebe said their was kamille tea then prue got mad and she moved a asprin to her hand. After few seconds phoebe figured out that it was anger that was the key. Then phoebe asked her about their dad and her moving to New york and coming back then prue got really mad and throwed all the medecin on the flour.

See also

(the following related entries are listed alphabetically)

References

  1. ^ "Encyclopedia Britannica online: psychokinesis". Retrieved July 16, 2006.
  2. ^ http://parapsych.org/glossary_l_r.html#p Parapsychological Association, glossary of key words frequently used in parapsychology, Retrieved December 20 2006
  3. ^ "On-Line Medical Dictionary: psychokinesis". Retrieved July 16, 2006.
  4. ^ http://parapsych.org/glossary_l_r.html#r Parapsychological Association, glossary of key words frequently used in parapsychology, Retrieved December 20 2006
  5. ^ Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. Springfield, Massachusetts, USA: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. 2005. ISBN 0-87779-809-5. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 1284: "Telekinesis (1890)..."
  6. ^ Myers, Frederic William Henry (December 1890). Proccedings. London, England: the journal of the Society for Psychical Research. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: year (link) Frederic William Henry Myers writing: "For the alleged movements without contact... M. A. Aksakof's new word 'telekinetic' seems to me the best attainable." Note: this quote as a cited reference can also be found in the multivolume "The Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition," 1989, Clarendon Press, Oxford, England, ISBN: 0-19-861229-X."
  7. ^ "Parapsychology Foundation "Basic terms in Parapsychology"". Retrieved January 20, 2007. "Telekinesis. Older term for “psychokinesis,” coined by Alexander Aksakof (1895/1890), and still preferred in the former USSR; Soviet Union and Eastern Europe."
  8. ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary". Retrieved January 20, 2007. "Telekinesis. 1890, said to have been coined by Alexander N. Aksakof (1832-1903) Imperial Councilor to the Czar... Translates Ger. 'Fernwirkung.'
  9. ^ Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. Springfield, Massachusetts, USA: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. 2005. ISBN 0-87779-809-5. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 1004: "Psychokinesis (1914)...."
  10. ^ "Parapsychology Foundation "Basic terms in Parapsychology"" (Holt's books are available today as facimile reprints at online booksellers. On the Cosmic Relations can be read in pdf format on books.google.com.). Retrieved December 22, 2006.
  11. ^ Spence, Lewis (1920). Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. Kessinger Publishing (reprint publisher). ISBN 0-7661-2817-2. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 752: "The term 'psychokinesis' or 'PK' was adopted by psychologist J.B. Rhine and his associates at the Psychology Department, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina from 1934 onwards in relation to experiments with influencing the fall of dice by mental concentration."
  12. ^ "Parapsychological Association - Glossary: PK/Psychokinesis". Retrieved July 19, 2006. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help)
  13. ^ Broughton, Richard S. (1991). Parapsychology: The Controversial Science. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-35638-1. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 329: "The expression [parapsychologist William] Braud prefers to describe this work is 'distant mental influence,' but it could also be called PK with human targets." Note: see Further Reading in this article for a later book by Braud with the same title.
  14. ^ Berger, Arthur S. (1991). The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research. New York: Paragon House. ISBN 1-55778-043-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) Page 341. "Psychokinesis (PK). The response of objects such as dice or the environment to a person's wishes is commonly labelled 'mind over matter.'" Note: see also the Quotes section in the article List of cultural references to psychokinesis and telekinesis for the origin of the phrase.
  15. ^ Berger, Arthur S. (1991). The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research. New York: Paragon House. ISBN 1-55778-043-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) Page 430: "Telekinesis. A term used by Frederick W. H. Myers to describe those physical phenomena of Spiritualism involving the movement of physical objects without the intermediation of any known physical energy."
  16. ^ Man, Myth & Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mythology, Religion, and the Unknown. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation. 1970, 1985, 1995. ISBN 1-85435-731-X. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: year (link) Page 2442: "Spiritualism aroused violent antagonism and criticism concentrating particularly on the physical phenomena occurring at seances, which opponents claimed were faked."
  17. ^ Berger, Arthur S. (1991). The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research. New York: Paragon House. ISBN 1-55778-043-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) Page 341: "PK... This term is used in preference to 'telekinesis' in order to avoid the implication that an effect on an object or the environment is produced by a deceased entity." Page 430: "Telekinesis. ... The Spiritualistic interpretation of telekinetic phenomena—that they are evidence of survival after death and of the existence of spirits—is usually not accepted in parapsychology or psychical research. The term 'telekinesis' is therefore usually not used because of its Spiritualistic connotations."
  18. ^ Spence, Lewis (1920). Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. Kessinger Publishing (reprint publisher). ISBN 0-7661-2817-2. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 753: "Psychokinesis. ... The term has now largely displaced 'Telekinesis' formerly used by psychical researchers and Spiritualists." Page 912: "Telekinesis. ... The term is now supplanted by Psychokinesis or PK."
  19. ^ "Google.com search results for telekinesis and psychokinesis". Retrieved January 24, 2007. http://www.google.com/search?q=psychokinesis Telekinesis: 929,000 Psychokinesis: 775,000 (unfiltered results)
  20. ^ Guiley, Rosemary Ellen (1991). Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained. New York: Gramercy Books. ISBN 0-517-16278-4. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 478: "...rituals to control the weather may also involve PK."
  21. ^ X-Men: The Last Stand at IMDb The X-Men character Storm has the power to create wind and other weather effects.
  22. ^ X-Men: The Last Stand at IMDb These three feats: levitating automobiles, a building, and a bridge were featured in the movie as being performed by the characters Jean Grey and Magneto.
  23. ^ "Library.ThinkQuest.org - Glossary: Macro PK and Micro PK". Retrieved October 14, 2006.
  24. ^ Berger, Arthur S. (1991). The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research. New York: Paragon House. ISBN 1-55778-043-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Broughton, Richard S. (1991). Parapsychology: The Controversial Science. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-35638-1. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  26. ^ Broughton, Richard S. (1991). Parapsychology: The Controversial Science. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-35638-1. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 330: "...atomic-level PK effects..."
  27. ^ Broughton, Richard S. (1991). Parapsychology: The Controversial Science. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-35638-1. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 35: Most contemporary research into PK involves examining the direct influence of consciousness of the mind on finely balanced electronic devices—PK on atomic particles—and this has become known as micro PK."
  28. ^ Guiley, Rosemary Ellen (1991). Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained. New York: Gramercy Books. ISBN 0-517-16278-4. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 478: "micropsychokinesis" [spelling example].
  29. ^ "Parapsychological Association - Glossary: "RSPK"". Retrieved January 5, 2007.
  30. ^ Guiley, Rosemary Ellen (1991). Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained. New York: Gramercy Books. ISBN 0-517-16278-4. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Page 454: "Poltergeist. In other cases, the phenomena seem to be caused by subconscious psychokinesis (PK) on the part of one individual."
  31. ^ Berger, Arthur S. (1991). The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research. New York: Paragon House. ISBN 1-55778-043-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ Berger, Arthur S. (1991). The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research. New York: Paragon House. ISBN 1-55778-043-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/33304.pdf Study conducted by the Gallup Organization between October 8, 2005 and December 12, 2005 on behalf of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University, of Waco, Texas, in the United States
  34. ^ "Official website of author Stephen King". Retrieved July 15, 2006. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help)

Further reading

  • The Conscious Universe: The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena, Dean Radin, HarperEdge, 1997.
  • Mind Over Matter, Loyd Auerbach, Kensington Books, 1996. ISBN 1-57566-047-4.
  • Distant Mental Influence, William Braud, Hampton Roads Publishing, Inc., 2003. ISBN 1-57174-354-5. (largely a collection of published scientific research papers on formal experiments in psychokinesis conducted by the author with others between 1983 to 2000).
  • Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality, Dean Radin, Pocket Books, 2006.
  • Flim Flam!, James Randi, Prometheus Books, 1982, ISBN 0-87975-198-3

Published Scientific Papers on PK / TK

Online Resources for Published Academic Articles and Scientific Papers on PK / TK

(do searches for "psychokinesis," "telekinesis," "conscious intention," etc.)

General information

Major organizations and research centers in the PK / TK field

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Telekinesis&oldid=107150320"