Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Telepathy'

This thesis investigates the impact of telepathy and psi on conceptual and performance art from 1968. Emerging from the author???s art practice, the thesis argues telepathy is a key leitmotif and creative concern within much post 60s art, and has become central to the practice of a number of contemporary video, performance and new media artists. This thesis is composed of two interrelated parts: an exhibition of the artwork by the author concerning telepathic processes, and a written project which uses the major themes of the exhibition to frame an historical study of a number of key contemporary artists whom, it is argued, work with telepathy. These artists, Jane and Louise Wilson, Suzanne Treister and Susan Hiller are discussed under the themes of ???twinning and doubling,??? ???technological mediums??? and ???telepathy experiments???. These themes also overlap in the authors artwork, are introduced through an overarching analysis of the work of performance artist Marina Abramovi?? and philosopher Jacques Derrida who, it is argued, provide a new model of telepathy as an art practice. In addition, the thesis argues that telepathy is an often suppressed thematic in art which may not appear to directly address it, and uses the work on the Wilsons, Treister and Hiller to re-look at other 20th Century artists and artistic themes in the light of the conclusions it draws on telepathy and art. Walter Benjamin greatly admired the Surrealists, but had virtually no time for their interest in telepathy, hypnosis and psi. Together with positive materialist misappropriations of Adorno???s Thesis Against Occultism, artistic and theoretical work with telepathy and psi has been sidelined from other important themes in art and critical theory, all of which telepathy and psi illuminate, energise and empower. The art of the author and other more recognised and established artists can be seen to work with telepathy in ways that flow into and reinforce the grain of progressive leftist practice and aesthetics. Women???s work with telepathy should be considered as important as women???s work with sexuality. Women, sexuality, Otherness, liminality, spirituality, telepathy, trauma, healing, radical politics, and other taboo areas of patriachal codes, were adandoned by macho participants of fluxus and Conceptual art. The recent conceptual and performance tilt in contemporary art sheds new light on the problem of working within and developing an effective and dynamic lineage of telepathy in post 60s art as well as early modern art movements. Contemporary developments in science, engineering, biology, psychoanalysis, warfare, popular culture and sociology show the wider relevance of discourse on telepathy. There is much at stake for visual art, aesthetics and visuality in representing, celebrating and interrogating the theme of psi and telepathy in current practice and art history. Artists??? work with telepathy and psi, although not always explicitly psychological, political or aesthetic, is often very psychologically, politically and aesthetically effective.

The field of quantum mechanics has revolutionised physics as a subject. Areas such as information theory, computer science and physical sensing have all been affected by the tremendous successes of various quantum protocols. In this thesis I present my contribution to the development of such non-classical protocols. In classical communication theory a message is always carried by physical particles that interact with a transmitter, after which they travel to a receiver. In this thesis I outline a quantum protocol which allows a receiver to obtain a message without receiving any physical object or particles that have interacted with the transmitter-that is, counterfactually. I build my protocol for counterfactual communication on the principles of interaction-free measurements, ensuring that information always propagates in the opposite direction to the protocol particles. The protocol shows how quantum mechanics breaks the previous premise of communication theory. From the perspective of local observers, it is a beautiful manifestation of the non-locality of interaction-free measurements. Furthermore, it is highly robust against experimental errors and external disturbances. The majority of this part of the thesis is based on my published article 'Quantum counterfactual communication without a weak trace' [Phys. Rev. A 94, 062303 (2016)]. Previous to my work, Salih et al. attempted to design a counterfactual communication protocol [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 170502 (2013)]. This protocol has been highly controversial. As counterfactual phenomena impose restrictions on the inter-measurement paths of quantum particles, and the physical reality of such paths lacks description in the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, an extension of current quantum theory is required to facilitate a discussion. In this thesis I present an operational and interpretation-independent methodology, enabling the discussion of inter-measurement paths of quantum particles. I start by considering the interferometers of counterfactual protocols, making the basic assumption that any quantum evolution naturally involves uncontrolled weak interactions. I then show how the Fisher information of these weak interactions, available at the output of counterfactual experiments, can be used to discuss the pre-measurement past of the particles. Based on this analysis, the protocol developed by Salih et al. is found to strongly violate counterfactuality. However, my protocol is more flexible in that it allows particles to propagate in the opposite direction to the message. This leads to counterfactuality being satisfied-even in the presence of large experimental errors. These results are observed both analytically and numerically. This part of the thesis is based on my article 'Evaluation of counterfactuality in counterfactual communication protocols' [Phys. Rev. A 96, 062316 (2017)]. The numerical methods are inspired by another of my publications: 'Protocol for fermionic positive-operator-valued measures' [Phys. Rev. A 96, 052305 (2017)]. Finally, as the Fisher information measure is found to be useful in evaluating counterfactual protocols, I extend my work by investigating the quantum Fisher information in experiments with general discrete quantum circuits. I prove that the quantum Fisher information of a two-level interaction in a quantum circuit can be expressed by a simple formula. Under certain phase-relations, the formula provides a straightforward connection between the abstract concept of the inter-measurement wavefunction and the quantum Fisher information at the output. With regard to how the information obtained from a certain volume of space influences our perception of classical objects, I argue that the quantum Fisher information measure is highly useful in describing quantum objects. If this measure is applied to observers with a limited set of the experimental measurement outcomes, a quantum object can appear to follow non-classical discontinuous paths. This supports the remarkable conclusion that our perception of the past of a quantum object is subjectively dependent on the measurement we conduct on it.

This study is an attempt to conceptually replicate a study by Ramakers, Stevens and Morris (2005) using a measure of electrodermal activity skin conductance (EDA) to evaluate the possibility of telepathy occurring between biologically and/or emotionally related senders and receivers. Ten negatively valenced and highly arousing target pictures were mixed with 10 blank control pictures in 10 blocks, with one of each kind in each block. The order of presentation of the target and control pictures within the block was determined randomly by a computer program. The series of 20 pictures were shown for the sender on a computer screen. Relaxation for the receiver was facilitated by soft music. It was hypothesized that there would be significantly more variance in the receiver EDA when the sender was exposed to negative arousing pictures, than to blank pictures. The results failed to show a significant difference in EDA variance between negative arousing and blank pictures, and did thus not support the telepathy hypothesis. It was recommended that future replications allocate more time for relaxation for the receiver.

"Knowing Children" describes the means by which telepathic devices present the mind of the child in novels by Charles Dickens, Henry James, William Faulkner, and Carson McCullers. An intellectual interest in the child and childhood flourished not only during the same period as the formal study of telepathy, but also within the same circles. "Telepathy" can be understood for my purposes as a mode of narrative representation of consciousness and knowledge. Because social, linguistic, and cognitive limitations generally prevent child characters from articulating the contours of their surprisingly complex knowledge, their minds can best be rendered through the use of telepathic literary techniques that enable the child figures themselves to influence the course of their narratives. The theoretical core of the thesis illustrates how telepathic techniques in fiction influence causality, characterization, and reader reception. More broadly, the thesis demonstrates how the telepathic mode challenges the historical assumptions, narrative effects, and readerly responsibilities of so-called omniscient narration, showing how characters' minds are revealed through those of other characters, especially those of children, who would properly be sheltered from the discourses of authority. Thus, the thesis also calls into question the conventional category of childhood itself.
« Enfants savants » décrit les méthodes par lesquelles les dispositifs télépathiques présentent l'esprit des enfants dans les romans de Charles Dickens, Henry James, William Faulkner, et Carson McCullers. Un intérêt intellectuel pour l'enfant et l'enfance ont proliféré en tant qu'étude formelle de la télépathie, non seulement lors de la même période, mais aussi à l'intérieur des mêmes milieux. Pour mes fins, la "télépathie" peut être comprise en tant qu'un mode de représentation narrative de la conscience et de la connaissance. Puisque les limitations sociales, linguistiques et cognitives empêchent généralement les personnages d'enfant d'articuler les contours de leur connaissance étonnamment complexe, leurs esprits peuvent le mieux être traduits par le biais de dispositifs télépathiques-dispositifs qui permettent fondamentalement aux personnages d'enfants à influencer eux-mêmes le courant de leurs récits. Le principe théorique de ma thèse souligne la manière dont les techniques télépathiques influence la causalité, la caractérisation et la perception du lecteur. D'une manière générale, la thèse démontre la manière par laquelle le mode télépathique remet en question les suppositions historiques, effets narratifs et responsabilités du lecteur lors d'une narration autrefois omnisciente, montrant comment l'esprit des personnages est relevé à travers d'autres personnages, particulièrement ceux des enfants, qui seraient probablement gardés à l'écart des discours de l'autorité.

The purpose of this thesis is to explore musical anomalies that are allegedly paranormal in origin. From a wide range of categories available, three areas are investigated: • music and telepathy • music written by mediums professedly contacted by dead composers • music being heard where the physical source of sound is unknown and presumed to be paranormal. In the first part a method of sensory masking (referred to as ganzfeld) is used to study the possibility of the emotional or physical content of music being capable of mind transference. A further experiment presents additional results relating to the highest scoring individuals in the previous trials. No systematic evidence for the telepathic communication of music was found. In the second section a number of mediums and the music they produced are investigated to examine the truthfulness of their claims of spiritual intervention in compositions and performances. Methods of composition are investigated and the music is analysed by experts. For the final part of the thesis locations are specified where reports of anomalous music have been asserted and people claiming to have heard such music are introduced and their statements examined. Literature from a variety of data bases is considered to ascertain whether the evidence for paranormal music consists of genuine material, misconceived perceptions or fraudulent claims. Only a very few examples of fraud are discovered, but seemingly genuine anomalies are generally found to consist of mistaken identities or the embroidery of anecdotal facts. It would appear that human susceptibility and enthusiasm for the paranormal are responsible for most of the data discovered. The results bring together information on two subjects that have not previously been seriously linked.

This thesis interrogates the interaction between feminist utopianism and altered states of consciousness in fiction from 1970 onwards. The thesis develops further both Lyman Tower Sargent's definition of utopianism as "social dreaming" and Tom Moylan's understanding of critical utopia. It also develops and expands Lucy Sargisson's definition of feminist utopianism as subversive, fluid, ambiguous and committed to ongoing personal and social transformation. Utopianism must challenge society's norms and values, offering both social critique and social vision. I argue throughout this work that transforming individual consciousness is a vital step towards social change. The thesis focuses on four altered states of consciousness: madness, dreaming, spirituality and telepathy. These states are situated within a theoretical context, and are then explicated further through close literary analysis of feminist utopian literature. Altered states offer a metaphor for the need to think differently, and highlight the importance of looking at society in new and alternative ways. In a significant number of feminist utopian texts, utopia is accessed through a dream or a vision, through spiritual meditation, telepathy, or a state of "madness". Within these texts, altered states are not only used as a means of accessing utopia but are also represented within the narrative as a means of maintaining or sustaining the utopian vision. Additionally, I show that altered states refers to the place of utopia, which is altered, or different to, contemporary society. The reader may also enter into an altered state through the process of reading the text, as their beliefs and assumptions about "the way things are" are challenged, denaturalised and subverted.

The presented thesis deals with examing of telepathy, "extrasensory perception" and anomalous cognition phenomenons. In the first part of the thesis, theoretical background of problem is presented, particularly in historical, terminological and metodological sense. This part involves viewing of this discipline from "classic science" perspective and also deals with confrontation with contemporary scientific (especially physical) paradigms. Evaluation of cognitive and information theory aspects of "extra sensory communication" and related criticism of current terminology and paradigm are also included in this part. Second part of thesis is devoted to my experiment conducted on VŠE as a practical part of my thesis. The experiment was a replication of Multimodal Ganzfeld Experiment (Pütz et al., 2007) aimed to revalidate it's results and extend our knowledge about this anomalous phenomena. Experimental method, comparable works and design of my variant of experiment are presented here, as well as validating methodology and results. As a part of conclusion, results' interpretation, possible criticism and also discussion about alternative interpretations are provided. Third part of a work shortly presents AutoGanzfeld WebApp software, deisgned, implemented and used for purpose of data collection in my experiment. Keywords: telepathy, ESP, psi, extrasensory perception, ganzfeld, anomalous cognition, communication, information

Este trabalho tem como objeto a compreensão do lugar da empatia na técnica psicanalítica. Acompanhando a discussão realizada por Freud e por Ferenczi a respeito desse tema, originado de um debate sobre o ocultismo foi possível observar como, apesar de não receber destaque nas recomendações técnicas dos anos 1915 e não fazer parte do hall clássico da teoria da técnica a empatia veio a se tornar um assunto importante a ambos os autores e presente de inúmeras formas sutis dentro de suas recomendações. Assim, a partir de uma primeira questão referente a forma como cada um dos autores compreendia o papel da empatia, lançou-se a hipótese de que a prerrogativa da empatia, já estava presente desde o começo da prática clínica, vindo em seguida a se tornar um fenômeno produtor de uma ética balizada na elasticidade e na modificação do dispositivo interpretativo, fundamentalmente submetida ao tato. Pretendeu-se com a inquietação a respeito de qual deveria ser seu lugar, atribui-lo a categoria operacional de uma ferramenta norteadora da conduta clínica. A estratégia adotada para analisar os elementos que se evidenciaram através do levantamento bibliográfico de diversos textos dos autores, assim como de sua correspondência pessoal foi a de matizar suas posturas, evitando dicotomizações superficiais. Encontrou-se como um resultado da investigação um lugar de manejo para a empatia através de uma prática voltada à circulação de afetos e submetida a autorização, convicção e ao tato. Contudo, apesar de o fundamental da experiência empática ser o compartilhar afetivo, percebe-se como a implicação do analista é um elemento complexo e trabalhado de forma diferente pelos autores. Portanto, estando de posse da opinião de uma filiação paradoxal entre Freud e Ferenczi, procurou-se integrar as intenções clínicas de Ferenczi para conceituar um tipo de conduta com a transferência afinada a uma ética da empatia; uma nova técnica de perspectivas estéticas
The understanding of empathy\'s role in psychoanytical techinique is the object if this essay. Following the discussion undertaken by Freud and Ferenczi, which originated from a debate on ocultism, it was posible to observe that the subject became paramount for both authors and subtly present in their recommendations, albeit not warranting any highlight in 1915\'s technical recommendations nor being part of technical theory. Therefore, arising from the initial inquiry of how each author understood the role of empathy, a hypothesis was created on empathy as a phenomenon creator of an ethics based on elasticity and alteration of the interpretative mechanism, fundamentally submitted to tact, even though empathy existed ever since the beginning of clinical practice. The intent was to use the uncertainty as to where it\'s place should be and allocate it in the functional/operational category of a tool to guide clinical conduct. The strategy adopted to analyze the elements which became evident during the research of several written works from the authors, as well as personal correspondence, was to qualify their positions, avoiding superficial dichotomy. This investigation resulted in the discovery of a place of drive for empathy through a practice open to the circulation of affections and submitted to authorization, conviction and tact. However, despite exchange of affection being the cornerstone of the empatic experience, one realizes how the implication of the analist is a complex subject, developed differently by the authors. Therefore, with the opinion that the membership of Freud and Ferenczi is paradoxical, one strived to integrate Ferenczi\'s clinical intentions to conceive a type of conduction with transfer in sync with an ethics of empathy, a new technique of aesthetical perspectives

Práce se zabývá možnostmi implementace VoIP do existujícího XMPP programu se sdílenou tabulí. Analyzuje možnosti využití současných technologií pro podporu VoIP.  Cílem je nahrazení stávajících komunikačních knihoven klienta za telepathy. Dále také přidání VoIP.

This essay is a narratological analysis of Stephen King’s ​The Shining, ​and​ ​employs Mieke Bal’s categorization of focalization, description and discourse with the intent of establishing their function in representing the concept of the uncanny in the narrative. By analyzing these narratological functions and their interplay, several manifestations of the ordinarily elusive uncanny become evident. The novel, through the structuring of the narrative and use of forthright descriptions as well as the insight into the characters’ minds, continually manages to represent the disturbances of the familiar that characterize the uncanny.

Телепатія - можливість мозку передавати почуття, думки та неусвідомлюваний стан іншому організму або навпаки приймати подібну інформацію. Термін перший раз вжитий у 1882 році Фредеріком Мейерсом. Більшість вчених вважає, що через відсутність біологічних передумов, телепатія – є неможливою, а досліди – псевдонаукою.

The problems we study in this thesis arise in computer science, extremal set theory and quantum computing. The first common feature of these problems is that each can be reduced to characterizing the independent sets of maximum size in a suitable graph. A second common feature is that the size of these independent sets meets an eigenvalue bound due to Delsarte and Hoffman. Thirdly, the graphs that arise belong to association schemes that have already been studied in other contexts. Our first problem involves covering arrays on graphs, which arises in computer science. The goal is to find a smallest covering array on a given graph G. It is known that this is equivalent to determining whether G has a homomorphism into a covering array graph, CAG(n,g). Thus our question: Are covering array graphs cores? A covering array graph has as vertex set the partitions of {1,. . . ,n} into g cells each of size at least g, with two vertices being adjacent if their meet has size g². We determine that CAG(9,3) is a core. We also determine some partial results on the family of graphs CAG(g²,g). The key to our method is characterizing the independent sets that meet the Delsarte-Hoffman bound---we call these sets ratio-tight. It turns out that CAG(9,3) sits inside an association scheme, which will be useful but apparently not essential. We then turn our attention to our next problem: the Erdos-Ko-Rado theorem and its q-analogue. We are motivated by a desire to find a unifying proof that will cover both versions. The EKR theorem gives the maximum number of pairwise disjoint k-sets of a fixed v-set, and characterizes the extremal cases. Its q-analogue does the same for k-dimensional subspaces of a fixed v-dimensional space over GF(q). We find that the methods we developed for covering array graphs apply to the EKR theorem. Moreover, unlike most other proofs of EKR, our argument applies equally well to the q-analogue. We provide a proof of the characterization of the extremal cases for the q-analogue when v=2k; no such proof has appeared before. Again, the graphs we consider sit inside of well-known association schemes; this time the schemes play a more central role. Finally, we deal with the problem in quantum computing. There are tasks that can be performed using quantum entanglement yet apparently are beyond the reach of methods using classical physics only. One particular task can be solved classically if and only if the graph Ω(n) has chromatic number n. The graph Ω(n) has as vertex set the set of all ± 1 vectors of length n, with two vertices adjacent if they are orthogonal. We find that n is a trivial upper bound on the chromatic number, and that this bound holds with equality if and only if the Delsarte-Hoffman bound on independent sets does too. We are thus led to characterize the ratio-tight independent sets. We are then able to leverage our result using a recursive argument to show that χ(Ω(n)) > n for all n > 8. It is notable that the reduction to independent sets, the characterization of ratio-tight sets, and the recursive argument all follow from different proofs of the Delsarte-Hoffman bound. Furthermore, Ω(n) also sits inside a well-known association scheme, which again plays a central role in our approach.

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia.
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Apresentação do tratamento analítico de uma mulher diagnosticada como psicótica, que pergunta "estou louca ou tenho poderes paranormais?" e da leitura psicanalítica dos textos de Freud no que diz de sua teoria da paranóia e do que chama de fenômenos "maravilhosos e fantásticos": a telepatia, previsão do futuro ou sonhos premonitórios, o déjà vu, o déjà racconté, os encontros singulares, a casualidade e supertição; sua posição perante ao ocultismo, os adivinhos, quiromantes, astrólogos; o caso P., um de seus pacientes em análise, que teria captado seus pensamentos, e por Lacan, sua teoria da psicose, e sua leitura dos textos de Freud sobre telepatia. A partir do caso e da leitura dos textos se sustenta a possibilidade de uma escuta analítica da telepatia como fato da percepção ao serviço do desejo inconsciente

La tesi descrive il fenomeno della pseudo-telepatia quantistica; vengono spiegati quali avvenimenti storici hanno portato alla nascita di questa teoria. Attraverso vari esempi, in un primo momento si cerca di far capire cosa sia realmente il fenomeno analizzato, successivamente verrà dimostrato che la pseudo-telepatia è la migliore strategia esistente per la risoluzione di alcune particolari tipologie di compiti.

Ce travail de thèse, effectué en co-direction avec l’Université d’Edimbourg, propose un abord psychodynamique et cognitif des expériences exceptionnelles ou vécues comme « paranormales ». Son objectif principal est de comprendre les conditions d’émergence de cette clinique des marges et de déterminer les processus psychiques qui la sous-tendent. Après avoir proposé une revue historique et épistémologique des travaux portant sur ces expériences, analysant en particulier les écrits de Freud et Ferenczi, nous avons déterminé leurs caractéristiques principales en nous appuyant sur une revue de littérature provenant de la psychologie psychanalytique et de la psychologie cognitive. Puis, par le biais d’une recherche quantitative menée à l’Université d’Edimbourg comprenant un questionnaire et une tâche expérimentale utilisés lors de deux études successives concernant 162 sujets, nous avons mis en évidence la prégnance des traumas, d’une perméabilité psychique exacerbée et d’évènements de vie négatifs chez les personnes qui rapportent des expériences exceptionnelles. Nous avons alors proposé cinq hypothèses théorico-cliniques, en nous appuyant sur l’étude de 55 cas cliniques recueillis principalement au sein d’un service de consultation dédié aux personnes rapportant des expériences exceptionnelles et mis en place pour cette thèse. Les analyses développées dans ce travail proposent un « modèle intégratif clinique des expériences exceptionnelles ». Celui-ci met tout d’abord en évidence le fait que ces vécus inhabituels pourraient être considérés comme une forme de réaction spécifique à des évènements de vie négatifs sous la forme d’une « solution paranormale » se produisant, dans de nombreux cas, à la suite d’une « expérience paranormale inaugurale ». Cette solution, qui trouverait notamment ses sources dans certaines relations précoces et divers traumas de l’enfance, mènerait à une perméabilité psychique exacerbée. Cette perméabilité favoriserait l’émergence d’expériences exceptionnelles à l’âge adulte sous forme de différentes transmissions psychiques inconscientes.Ces expériences correspondraient également à l’effraction du cadre contenant du champ hallucinatoire, cet aspect étant modulé selon différents états modifiés de conscience et plus précisément des processus hypnoïdes. Elle seraient enfin à considérer comme la résurgence d’une « communication primaire », impliquant des caractéristiques de la symbolisation primaire et interrogeant plus généralement leurs aspects potentiellement symboligènes ainsi que la nature des interactions qu’elles impliquent
This dissertation, conducted in co-direction with Edinburgh University, proposes a psychodynamic and cognitive approach towards exceptional experiences or subjective “paranormal” experiences. The main objective is to understand the conditions of emergence of these original clinical experiences, and to determine the psychological processes that underlie them. After a historical and epistemological review of work on these experiences, analysing in particular the writings of Freud and Ferenczi, we determine the main characteristics by relying on a literature review from psychoanalytical psychology and cognitive psychology. Then, due to quantitative research carried out at Edinburgh University, including a questionnaire and an experimental task used during two successive studies (n=162), we show the importance of traumas, psychological permeability and negative life events in people who report exceptional experiences. We then propose five theoretical and clinical hypotheses, from 55 clinical cases obtained mainly through a counselling service dedicated to people reporting exceptional experiences, which was set up for this PhD. The analyses developed in this work propose an “integrative and clinical model of exceptional experiences”. This model first sheds light on the fact that these unusual experiences could be considered as a specific form of reaction to negative life events, as a “paranormal solution” that occurs, in a number of cases, after an “inaugural paranormal experience”. This solution, which finds its roots in certain early relationships and different traumas from childhood, could lead to a strong psychological permeability. This permeability would favour the emergence of exceptional experiences during adulthood in different forms of unconscious psychological transmissions. These experiences could also correspond to the “breaking” of the containing hallucinatory field, with the influence of different altered states of consciousness, and more precisely hypnotic states. Finally, these experiences could be considered as the resurgence of a “primary communication” that would implicate characteristics of primary symbolisation and would question more generally their potentially positive aspect and the nature of the interactions they imply

The existing world is becoming more disrupted and is falling apart. For its resurrection and restoration, a new way of thinking is necessary. This new type of thinking is needed to be able to open up its mind and to think about the process of thinking itself; it must understand what is happening in other systems, where processes seem to be taking place by themselves without any other visible interference. First Chaos is the title for an intermedia installation which contains 90 black and white photographs, both digital and analogue, all of which were taken between the years 2008 and 2012. Together, the photographs create one coherent piece – a kind of sculpture. They can evoke a "still film" with a non-linear, cyclical storyline, whilst the images can simultaneously function individually, without any connection to other photographs.

Possession is a transcultural and transhistorical phenomena that in recent times appears to have had a resurge within western culture. Heavily laden with controversy, incredulity and prejudice possession is not readily dealt with, although many people present in parishes and for psychiatric treatment with symptoms and disturbances that need to be addressed promptly with up-to-date skill and discernment. Lack of interest and practise has been the rule not only in secular science but in major religious contexts as well. An increasing amount of literature highlights the lack of efficient psychiatric and religious response. In this work traditional Christian perspectives on possession were related to recent Psychiatric and Parapsychological results, definitions and conclusions, the aim being to enhance and enrich our understanding of what is being interpreted as an involuntary influence of malevolent spirits on human beings. The method of the study was based on reflexivity, including aspects of phenomenological analysis, critical theory and postmodern theory. It was shown that a clear line can no longer be drawn between science and spirituality as concerning possession, its cure and its etiology; that exorcism and other methods of spirit-expulsion have a not insignificant actuality in international psychiatry of today as a remedy for certain states of dissociative disorders, and that these methods are considered extremely powerful. The study also focused on agents responsible for treating people with related symptoms, religious as well as seculars, and on the need for continued interdisciplinary study and approach to the phenomena of possession. It was stressed that our understanding of this issue is in dire need of revision.

This project proceeds from a narrow question: What, if anything, is a brain wave? Beguiling in its simplicity, this question prompts a cultural-historical investigation that spans over 150 years of science, technology, and society. Proposed in 1869, the original theory of brain waves cites etheric undulations to explain reports of apparent thought transference. Though most modern thinkers no longer believe in outright telepathy, I argue that dreams of thought transmission and other mental miracles subtly persist—not in obscure and occult circles, but at the forefront of technoscience. A hybrid of science and fiction, brain waves represent an ideal subject through which to explore the ways in which technical language shrouds spiritual dreams. Today, the phrase “brain waves” often function as shorthand for electrical changes in the brain, particularly in the context of technologies that purport to “read” some aspect of mental function, or to transmit neural data to a digital device. While such technologies appear uniquely modern, the history of brain waves reveals that they are merely the millennial incarnation of a much older hope—a hope for transmission and transcendence via the brain’s emanations.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Engenharia Informática apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Desde a sua génese, os telemóveis foram objeto de um desenvolvimento tecnológico exponencial e adquiriram outras funcionalidades para além das triviais chamadas telefónicas e serviço de mensagem. Com o advento dos smartphones, o mercado de jogos para telemóveis cresceu muito significativamente e converteu-se na forma de jogo mais difundida em todo o mundo, alcançando mais utilizadores do que qualquer outro segmento do mercado de jogos.O objetivo principal do presente projeto é o desenvolvimento de um Produto Viável Mínimo (MVP) de um jogo para telemóveis, online, assíncrono e para múltiplos jogadores, inspirado na temática da telepatia. No jogo assíncrono, um dos jogadores interage com o jogo enquanto o outro tem que aguardar pela sua vez de jogar. Neste jogo para telemóvel em particular, os jogadores interagem através de dispositivos móveis distintos e, alternadamente, tentam adivinhar as respostas dadas pelos outros jogadores a um determinado conjunto de questões. A acrescentar, não existe qualquer limite temporal definido entre turnos, assegurando uma maior flexibilidade. Aos jogadores são atribuídos pontos se as respostas estiverem corretas de acordo com as respostas previamente selecionadas pelos outros jogadores. O presente relatório visa descrever todo o processo de engenharia conducente ao desenvolvimento do jogo com as características descritas, incluindo uma representação das diferentes etapas de planeamento do projeto, uma revisão do estado da arte, uma descrição do sistema e uma análise das fases de desenvolvimento e de teste.
Since their first appearance, mobile devices have had an exponential technological growth and have gained other functionalities that go beyond the standard calls and messaging services. With the advent of smartphones, the mobile gaming market has grown enormously to become the most widespread form of gaming across the world, reaching more corners than any other gaming market.The primary purpose of this project is to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of an online multiplayer asynchronous mobile game using telepathy as a theme. In asynchronous gameplay, one player plays the game while the other has to wait until their turn comes. In this particular mobile game, players interact through different mobile devices and take turns attempting to guess the answers given by other players to a given set of questions. Additionally, there are no established time limits between turns, allowing for higher flexibility on the part of individual players. Players are awarded points if their answers match the answers previously selected by the other players. The present report envisages describing the whole engineering process leading to the realization of this particular mobile game, including a representation of the planning stages of the project, a review of the state of the art, a system description, and an overview of the development and testing phases.