What does mentalism mean?
Definitions for mentalism
ˈmɛn tlˌɪz əmmen·tal·ism
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word mentalism.
Princeton's WordNet
mentalismnoun
(philosophy) a doctrine that mind is the true reality and that objects exist only as aspects of the mind's awareness
GCIDE
mentalismnoun
Any theory of psychology that accepts introspective data about the functioning of the mind as a valid object of study; contrasted to behaviorism.
Wiktionary
mentalismnoun
The doctrine that physical reality exists only because of the mind's awareness
mentalismnoun
Activities such as mind reading, especially when used by performers
Wikipedia
Mentalism
Mentalism is a performing art in which its practitioners, known as mentalists, appear to demonstrate highly developed mental or intuitive abilities. Performances may appear to include hypnosis, telepathy, clairvoyance, divination, precognition, psychokinesis, mediumship, mind control, memory feats, deduction, and rapid mathematics. Mentalists perform a theatrical act that includes effects that may appear to employ psychic or supernatural forces but that are actually achieved by "ordinary conjuring means," natural human abilities (ie. reading body language, refined intuition, subliminal communication, emotional intelligence), and an in-depth understanding of key principles from human psychology or other behavioral sciences.Mentalism is commonly classified as a subcategory of magic and, when performed by a stage magician, may also be referred to as mental magic. However, many professional mentalists today may generally distinguish themselves from magicians, insisting that their art form leverages a distinct skillset. Instead of doing "magic tricks," mentalists argue that they produce psychological experiences for the mind and imagination, and expand reality with explorations of psychology, suggestion, and influence. Mentalists are also often considered psychic entertainers, although that category also contains non-mentalist performers such as psychic readers and bizarrists. Some well-known magicians, such as Penn & Teller, and James Randi, argue that a key differentiation between a mentalist and someone who purports to be an actual psychic is that the former is open about being a skilled artist or entertainer who accomplishes their feats through practice, study, and natural means, while the latter may claim to actually possess genuine supernatural, psychic, or extrasensory powers and, thus, operates unethically.Renowned mentalist Joseph Dunninger, who also worked to debunk fraudulent mediums, captured this key sentiment when he explained his impressive abilities in the following way: "Any child of ten could do this - with forty years of experience." Like any performing art, mentalism requires years of dedication, extensive study, practice, and skill to perform well and perfect.
ChatGPT
mentalism
Mentalism is a performing art or practice in which its practitioners, known as mentalists, use psychological techniques such as intuition, hypnosis, body language reading, and suggestion to present the illusion of mind reading, clairvoyance, precognition, or mind control. It is often used in magic shows and entertainment to impress and mystify audiences. In broader context, it can also refer to a doctrine in philosophy attributing reality to the mind or mental phenomena.
Wikidata
Mentalism
Mentalism is a performing art in which its practitioners, known as mentalists, appear to demonstrate highly developed mental or intuitive abilities. Performances may appear to include telepathy, clairvoyance, divination, precognition, psychokinesis, mediumship, mind control, memory feats and rapid mathematics. Hypnosis may also be used as a stage tool. Mentalists are sometimes referred to as psychic entertainers.
Matched Categories
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of mentalism in Chaldean Numerology is: 3
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of mentalism in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7
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"mentalism." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 14 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/mentalism>.
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