Ep 5. Is There a Sixth Sense?

Through the Wormhole is a fascinating science documentary television series that explores the mysteries of the universe and the scientific facts that impact our understanding of the world. In season 2, episode 5 titled "Is There a Sixth Sense?", the show delves into the concept of intuition and psychic abilities. The central question asked in this episode is whether or not humans have a sixth sense, which allows us to perceive things beyond the conventional five senses.

The episode begins by introducing the concept of extrasensory perception (ESP), which refers to the ability to perceive information through means other than the five known senses. The show explores how various cultures and traditions have believed in psychic abilities like clairvoyance or telepathy for centuries. To examine the validity of these claims, Through the Wormhole brings together some of the most prominent scientists and researchers in the field, each with their own take on whether ESP exists.

One such scientist is Dean Radin, the Director of Research at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. He has spent decades studying the phenomenon of ESP and believes that there is ample evidence to support its existence. Radin explains that intuitive insight can be used to predict future events or perceive things that are happening beyond the range of our five senses.

The show also features interviews with skeptics, who argue that there is no scientific evidence to support the notion of a sixth sense. These skeptics maintain that any apparent "psychic" abilities can be explained through logical reasoning or scientific observation. For example, some people who claim to have clairvoyant ability may actually be using their other senses, such as hearing or touch. Additionally, skeptics argue that many supposed cases of ESP could be attributed to coincidence or chance.

To examine ESP's veracity, Through the Wormhole performs various experiments, including an intriguing one that involves a group of individuals trying to predict which card will be drawn next from a deck of cards. The show also looks at infamous cases like the CIA's Project Stargate, where psychics were hired to perform "remote viewing" of far-off places and events. Through all these experiments, the show explores the validity of ESP and its impact on our understanding of the world.

One of the more intriguing stories covered in this episode involves a woman named Patti Conklin, who claims to have the ability to diagnose and cure illness by feeling for energy vibrations in a person's body. Despite her claims, Conklin is a controversial figure in the medical community, and her alleged abilities are often met with skepticism. Through the Wormhole interviews Conklin and examines some of her cases, exploring whether there is merit to her claims.

Ultimately, Through the Wormhole poses the central question of whether human beings have a sixth sense, and if so, what that means for our understanding of the world. The show explores whether intuition and psychic ability are merely illusions, or if they represent a higher level of consciousness that transcends the bounds of our physical reality. Through rigorous scientific analysis and thought-provoking interviews, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most controversial and intriguing topics in the field of science.