# Can You Develop P{sychic Abilities By Training?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771
**Category:** Great Debates
**Created:** [November 28, 2003, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771 "2003-11-28T20:49:13Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/1 "2003-11-28T20:49:13Z")
If one accepts that psychic abilities are real (like telepathy, precognition,psycho-kinesis, etc.). does it follow that such abilities can be learned?
Suppose one were to practice telepathy, with the aid of a computer…is there any evidence that such practice would lead to increased psychic abilities?
What’sthe state of parapsychology recearch now…does anybody take it seriously anymore?😕
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### Author:  [@dal\_timgar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dal_timgar)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/2 "2003-11-28T21:01:40Z")
Where would you get this training. I’ve been reading about the occult off and on for 20+ years. It is mostly bullshit.
Check out: Dion Fortune
She seems better than most and I’m not sure how much of what she sells is buyable.
Dal Timgar
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### Author:  [@gubernator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gubernator)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/3 "2003-11-28T21:14:05Z")
Honestly, if I was a psychic, I would focus on training my abilities to their full extent so that I can profit from them. I wouldn’t wanna sell training guides or teach people how to develope it themselves, since the less competent people are at all them psychic stuff, the more relatively powerful I am. If I do know a working method of training my psychic powahs, I wouldn’t sell it for a billion bucks.
(Come on, if it really works, wouldn’t the government be doing all sorts of things to you?)
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### Author:  [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/4 "2003-11-28T21:22:13Z")
If one could… would one admit it to others?
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### Author:  [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/5 "2003-11-28T21:29:22Z")
Psychic abilities, if they exist, might be like perfect pitch, either you’ve got it, or not. No amount of training can make it better. We’ll have to find some real psychics, and try training them, before answering your question.
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### Author:  [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/6 "2003-11-28T21:39:30Z")
This student essay looks fair-minded, and surprisingly, well researched:
[http://teresi.us/html/writing/psi.html](http://teresi.us/html/writing/psi.html)
> [@](#):
>
> The blatant lack of evidence for the more obvious cases of reproducible paranormal activity such as psychic networks, fortunetellers, poltergeists, spoon benders, remote viewers, diviners, etc. should more accurately suggest that these phenomena are completely false. Scientists have not overlooked them; they have investigated these claims and have found none that will hold up to scrutiny.
>
> ```
> I can’t say much about anecdotes such as those published in Rhine (1981), e.g. sporadic phenomena attributed to ghosts, telepathic communication between twins, a death in the family triggering a sound or object’s movement, or a dream that turns prophetic. Because of their sporadic nature, these events can’t be reproduced under controlled circumstances. Research methods into these events are generally limited to psychological studies of the possible ways and likelihood of the mind being fooled, supported by detailed case studies of such phenomena (Frazier, 43).
>
> For the remaining class of paranormal phenomena which parapsychologists have staked their livelihood on investigating, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and telekinesis, I draw this final conclusion:
>
> These phenomena have been shown to exist with such small statistical evidence in research (and appear on such a small scale in society) that they are, as far as most people are concerned, simply a curiosity. Contrary to the somewhat popular belief, no single person can as yet demonstrate a substantial propensity for psi behavior. Possible evidence for psi exists only as part of a large statistical aggregate of data. If the 35% ganzfeld hit rate does in fact demonstrate psi, how can we boost this to 80% or 90%, to where it actually might become useful? As yet no one can. A lot more research is required before the phenomenon of psi can become established and accepted, let alone have any use whatsoever.
>
> Meanwhile the members of the media—television, radio shows, tabloids, your local paper, and the evening news—will continue to eschew fact-checking in favor of breaking still more sensational stories, spreading misinformation to a public that wants to believe in magic, until the scientific facts of the matter become sufficiently incorporated into our culture. Stay informed.
>
> ```
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### Author:  [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/7 "2003-11-28T21:47:13Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by ralph124c \*
> If one accepts that psychic abilities are real (like telepathy, precognition,psycho-kinesis, etc.). does it follow that such abilities can be learned?
It’s a big assumption, because people have been claiming psychic abilities for centuries, yet in all that time have never managed any scientific proof.
In general, I think mental abilities can be taught (e.g. improving memory, playing chess).
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by ralph124c \*
> Suppose one were to practice telepathy, with the aid of a computer…is there any evidence that such practice would lead to increased psychic abilities?
Why would a computer help with telepathy? What is the scientific mechanism behind telepathy anyway?
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by ralph124c \*
> What’sthe state of parapsychology research now…does anybody take it seriously anymore?😕
When did anyone take it seriously? :eek:
For your interest, have a look at:
> **[Home](https://web.randi.org)**
>
> JREF
The James Randi Educational Foundation offers $1,000,000 for any demonstration of any psychic ability. Nothing so far. :rolleyes:
I once discussed dowsing with a member of the British Dowsing Society, who claimed he could teach anyone to dowse. Hey, a psychic ability! 🆒
I asked if he could demonstrate dowsing in a scientific test. No, it didn’t work ‘under those circumstances’. :smack:
I asked if he would claim the $1,000,000. No, ‘money didn’t interest him’. Of course he proposed to charge me for ‘training’. 😕
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### Author:  [@vanilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanilla)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/8 "2003-11-28T22:20:08Z")
There has never been any proven psychic ability.
To develop this, you must be able and willing to read people, figure out what they want to hear, and fool them, if your conscience permits.
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### Author:  [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/9 "2003-11-28T22:33:26Z")
Well, you could train and practice at _simulating_ psychic abilities that would be indistinguishable from the “real” thing to many people.
Just stay away from scientists.
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### Author:  [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/10 "2003-11-28T22:34:12Z")
I got my psychic powers in a nuclear accident, but my friend just found some kind of amulet.
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### Author:  [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/11 "2003-11-28T23:28:24Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by ralph124c \*
> \*\*If one accepts that psychic abilities are real (like telepathy, precognition,psycho-kinesis, etc.). \*\*
Ah. Well, you see, there’s the rub. If one accepts that it’s possible to fly to the moon on gossamer wings, would it be possible to learn to sprout one’s _own_ wings? Or must one buy them?
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### Author:  [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)
#### Post date: [November 28, 2003, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/12 "2003-11-28T23:45:02Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by pravnik \*
> \*\*I got my psychic powers in a nuclear accident, but my friend just found some kind of amulet. \*\*
“Amulet”? Ain’t dat a play by dat Shakespeare guy? 😉 😃
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### Author:  [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2003, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/13 "2003-11-29T05:27:37Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by ralph124c \*
> \*\*If one accepts that psychic abilities are real (like telepathy, precognition,psycho-kinesis, etc.). does it follow that such abilities can be learned?
> Suppose one were to practice telepathy, with the aid of a computer…is there any evidence that such practice would lead to increased psychic abilities?
> What’sthe state of parapsychology recearch now…does anybody take it seriously anymore?😕 \*\*
Yes, psychic abilities can be improved with training. Everyone has them to some degree.
Training usually consists of clearing and focusing the mind on a single point. Not letting thoughts wander around at will. But this is contingent on emotional growth as well. If you hold a lot of fear about life and death this can be a monumental task. So fear needs to be addressed also.
Some people use the computer’s random number generator to throw numbers on the screen. They try to influence the numbers with their mind, willing what the next number will be. I am not sure this is good training, maybe.
I think a lot of parapsychologists take the work seriously, even more so since NDEs have shown evidence of consciousness continues after the death of the body.
There will be a great deal more spiritual and psychic studies in the future, I know of at least four universities studying spiritual experiences and at least one with positive results.
Love
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### Author:  [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2003, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/14 "2003-11-29T05:51:14Z")
**lekatt,** you are now in the land of Great Debates, therefore, cites for claims are required. Cites for ridiculous and fanstastic claims are mandatory. Cites for anything at all that you say are…oh, never mind.
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### Author:  [@umop\_ap\_sdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/umop_ap_sdn)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2003, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/15 "2003-11-29T08:56:38Z")
FWIW, **lekatt** , I agree with you. I even said so in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4286546#post4286546).
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### Author:  [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2003, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/16 "2003-11-29T14:04:19Z")
I posed the question because J.B. Rhine (the defacto father of psychic research), found that the subjects he tested ALWAYS showed declines in (psychic) abilities. It NEVER went the other way! Rhine attributed this decline to boredom…skeptics (like James Randi) attribute it to tightened-up experimental standards. One would assume that if psychic abilities were like baseball, then increased practice would yield better performance…unfortunately, thisisn’t the case (as far as I can see).
Anybody know of any BREAKTHROUGHS in psychic research?
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### Author:  [@The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Unwashed)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2003, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/17 "2003-11-29T15:10:13Z")
**lekatt** and **cityboy** ,
Sitting in a tree,
From E S P to N D E,
From O B E through to R V.
On all these things,
They did agree,
You cannot disprove,
What you cannot see.
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### Author:  [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2003, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/18 "2003-11-29T15:20:38Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by cityboy916 \*
> \*\*FWIW, **lekatt** , I agree with you. I even said so in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4286546#post4286546). \*\*
Yes, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you.
Love
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### Author:  [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2003, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/19 "2003-11-29T15:21:51Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by The Great Unwashed \*
> \*\ ***lekatt** and **cityboy** ,
> Sitting in a tree,
> From E S P to N D E,
> From O B E through to R V.
>
> On all these things,
> They did agree,
> You cannot disprove,
> What you cannot see. \*\*
You should have been a contender.
Love
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### Author:  [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2003, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-develop-p-sychic-abilities-by-training/215771/20 "2003-11-29T15:26:27Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Musicat \*
> \*\ ***lekatt,** you are now in the land of Great Debates, therefore, cites for claims are required. Cites for ridiculous and fanstastic claims are mandatory. Cites for anything at all that you say are…oh, never mind. \*\*
If everything I say is either ridiculous or fantastic can there be cites?
Tell me “exactly” what it is you want a cite for and I will look around for you.
Love
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