Psychic ability is one of those topics guaranteed to elicit heated and passionate debate. The integrity and relevance of psychic phenomenon is a subject that deeply divides most who consider the subject and has dedicated followings of both protagonists and detractors. One particular area of the subject that generates much criticism by cynics is that of the veracity of psychic tests.
Before we consider this paranormal hot potato, let's take a look at the definition of psychic or psychic ability. As a descriptive term, psychic is generally understood to mean paranormal forces or perception thereof and a psychic one who possesses that perception. Psychic tests are meant to identify the presence and extent of that ability in subjects. Champions of the psychic cause readily acknowledge the presence of charlatans and carnival style showmanship in many of these tests, but firmly believe in their value when carried out by legitimate entities. Critics, on the other hand, claim that psychic tests are largely nothing more than clever interpretation of answers to carefully structured questions based on know factors such as age, sex, ethnicity or demographics.
Looking at some of the online versions of these tests one can appreciated the cynicism that surrounds psychic tests. Many are no more than automated "hook" applications, populated by questions that are patently leading. Unfortunately as with most contentious questions, the big picture often gets muddied by these fringe examples. Mud has the annoying habit of tenaciously staying where it's slung and it is quite possible that legitimate practitioners get caught in the shrapnel halo when bogus claims are exposed.
In the absence of widely accepted scientific validation, arguments regarding psychic practice and the integrity of tests used to benchmark the presence of psychic characteristics become academic. If you believe in paranormal activities and powers you'll find value in results of psychic tests. Conversely, if you are sceptical about psychic issues then any manifestations or claims regarding the practice will be written off as smoke and mirrors slight of hand. In this way the whole debate becomes almost religious by nature, the fence not being very well frequented at all.
I believe that psychic tests need to be approached by disciples of the paranormal with a sense of conscientious consumerism. There are those who rely on morbid fascination and sensationalism to punt their product and those purists that have spend a lifetime in dedicated pursuit of the truth. A little investigation will separate those that can be trusted from the many scam operators who troll the waters for the vulnerable and uninformed.
For the cynic who wants to investigate the issue there are as many organizations and study groups concentrating on paranormal phenomena and the claims made by those who advocate their existence. At the end of the day, how we approach the subject of psychic tests and psychic abilities depends on our personal belief structure and as such there is no clear right or wrong regarding their voracity. As with all matters of opinion our stature as debate participants depends largely on the acknowledgment and respect we extend to those on the other side of the table.
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