Extrasensory perception, commonly abbreviated ESP, is a term used for alleged processes by which a person acquires information without relying on the recognized physical senses. The label covers a range of claimed abilities and is most often discussed in the context of parapsychology, the field that investigates purported psychic phenomena and anomalous experiences. Descriptions and beliefs about ESP vary widely across cultures and contexts, from casual accounts to organized research efforts and popular entertainment.

Common types and characteristics

  • Telepathy: alleged direct mind-to-mind communication without known sensory channels.
  • Clairvoyance: claims of perceiving distant or hidden objects or events without sensory input.
  • Precognition: claimed knowledge of events before they occur.
  • Psychokinesis (sometimes linked): claims that mental intention can influence physical systems; some writers treat this separately from ESP.

The claimed phenomena are typically described in plain language rather than by reference to an accepted mechanism. Attempts to study them have used experiments, anecdotes, and statistical analysis, but reported effects are often small, inconsistent, or explained by normal processes such as chance, cueing, or experimental bias.

History and research

Interest in ESP grew during the 19th and 20th centuries alongside spiritualism and early laboratory psychology. Some formal research programs arose in universities and private laboratories; notable public awareness increased through parapsychology organizations and popular books. For an overview of the academic field and its aims, see materials associated with parapsychology here.

Critics note that many reported results have failed to replicate under stricter controls. Methodological problems, selective reporting, and observer-expectancy effects have been emphasized by skeptics and mainstream scientists. Summaries of skeptical evaluations and scientific critiques can be found here, while general definitions of the concept are available here.

ESP remains a topic of cultural interest—appearing in fiction, media, and popular debate—and some institutions continue to study anomalous claims. The overall scientific consensus treats ESP claims with caution and demands rigorous, reproducible evidence before accepting any extraordinary assertions.