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'Psionics' is a term used mostly in fiction and games to denote a variety of paranormal psychic abilities. The term was invented in the field of parapsychology, but gained little acceptance. The term is often used in works of fantasy and science fiction as well as video games and role-playing games.

Contents

History and terminology

Fiction

Role-playing and other games

Types of psionics

See also

References

External links

History and terminology

B. P. Wiesner and Robert H. Thouless first proposed the term "psi" in 1942 as a more general term to include both extrasensory perception and psychokinesis. The original terminology proposal divided psi into psi-gamma, for cases of perception, and psi-kappa, for cases of action. These terms were later modified into "passive psi" and "active psi".^[1][2]
Later, John W. Campbell proposed the term "psionics", from psi (psyche) + electronics (machine), which implied that the powers of the mind could be made to work reliably. Psionics in terms of "the game" and "paranormal" was developed and spread on the internet by supporters of psionics.^[3]

Fiction

Psionics (used as a term for psychic abilities) in fiction take on nearly as many forms as magic, and are often deeply entwined with many related paranormal or science fiction phenomena. It is often used to endow science fictional characters with abilities, which, if they were called "magic", would make the story fantasy.^[4] Psionics usually appear in science fiction or contemporary settings, although it is sometimes seen in medieval fantasy as well (mostly in role-playing games), sometimes with magic and psionics existing side by side as distinct phenomena.
The most widely utilized psionic ability in fiction is telepathy, which is often attributed to magical or highly technologically or mentally advanced cultures as a matter of course. As an example, the Star Trek Vulcans were given limited telepathic abilities in order to make them appear more alien. Psionic abilities are often displayed by beings who do or are in process of transcending their physical existence (e.g. humans in the SF classic, Childhood's End).

★ Telekinesis and precognition, as exhibited by the Jedi in Star Wars for example, are also quite common in fictional psionics.

★ In the science fiction TV show Babylon 5, human telepaths are organized into an organization known as the Psi Corps.

★ In the anime Akira (and the manga it is based on), psionic powers are a main subject. A secret research project of the Japanese military results in the creation of several telepathic children.
See also: List of comic book superhero powers

Role-playing and other games

:''Main article: Psionics (role-playing games)''
Psionics are used in a wide variety of role-playing games, often as a substitute for magic. In Tolkien-esque fantasy games with a magic system already in place, such as Dungeons and Dragons, psionics are often introduced to provide an alternative magic system that functions differently.
Psionics are a popular device in video games (such as ''Second Sight'' or ''), board games (such as ''Cosmic Encounter'') and many other forms of gaming. Typically such powers are used in a context where magic would not fit into the setting in order to introduce super-human, magic-like powers.
Psionics were also used to a large extent in the X-COM series of games. In (also known as UFO Enemy Unknown in Europe), the aliens use mind control powers to turn the players troops against each other, or force them to panic or go berserk. and make a return to Psi powers, in Apocalypse, Sectoid and Human hybrids can be hired as agents where they can put their skills to use. In Interceptor, a "Psi Blaster" is used by the aliens onboard craft which has controlling or panic inducing effects. has a "Psi-Cannon" as a weapon which cuts through larger enemies with ease.
Psionics also plays a role in the game StarCraft (see Psionic technology (StarCraft)) and in the game .
Psionic power was also included as one of the properties of the 1994 ''SNES'' game ''Earthbound'' (US) and Mother (JP)
A Psionicist is also class in the MMORPG, .
Psionicist is a character class in the free online computer game Tempus (MUD)
A Psionic Epic power set is available to the Controller Archetype in the MMORPG, City of Heroes.
A character class called the Psykeeper is available in the MMORPG, FlyFF.

Types of psionics

★ Telepathy such as Thought Communications, Mental Attacks/Defenses, Mind Control, and Projected Illusions



★ Extrasensory Perception such as ESP, Clairvoyance/audience, Precognition, Retrocognition, Premonitions, Remote Viewing, et. al.



★ Psychokinetic abilities ("mind over matter") such as Telekinesis - as in projecting pure force or moving objects via the mind. Other (non-force) "Energy"-based abilities (e.g. Pyrokinesis("heat control"), Electrokinesis("electrical control"), Cryokinesis("cold control"), etc. Since matter and energy are inextricably tied together through universal laws of physics, these energy based abilities are actually "mind over atomic/subatomic matter" control wherein something like Pyrokinesis and Cryokinesis are simply the control of motion of molecules within an object.



★ Psychoportive abilities ("travelling through space/time") such as Teleportation, Astral Projection, Dimensional Walking, Etherealization, etc. Similarly, Time Travel and/or the manipulation of the flow of time



★ Psycho-Metabolic abilities ("mind over body") such as hyper healing, environmental resistance, shape shifting, pain resistance, etc.

See also

★ Paranormal

★ Astral Projection

References

1. http://www.parapsych.org/glossary_l_r.html
2. http://forums.vsociety.net/topic/5408.0
3. http://www.davidszondy.com/future/man/psionics.htm
4. Poul Anderson, "Fantasy in the Age of Science", p 270, ''Fantasy'' ISBN 48-51518

External links

★ Psi-Links : A Psionic Site Directory - Get access to all major websites

★ Veritas Society Psi articles

★ PsionicsOnline .: Blogs, Articles, Media and Community

★ Rhine Research Center glossary of terms

★ PsiPog.net: articles and information relating to Psi

★ Psion Guild page containing links to the article pages

★ PsiOnline

★ Psion Chat

★ PsiStudies is a website dedicated to the cultivation of psionic abilities

★ The Tassadar Archive - Psionics Articles Directory

★ The Psi Journal is a frequented blog with information on personal events and techniques to use to experience, use, and master psionic abilities.

★ Casa Umbrae is a community devoted to information and other articles about psionics for those who are either gifted with such abilities, or in pursuit of information about such abilities.