Supernatural

The supernatural refers to forces and phenomena which are beyond ordinary scientific or any other type of measurement. Concepts in the supernatural domain are closely related to concepts in religious spirituality and metaphysics.

The term “supernatural” is often used interchangeably with paranormal or preternatural – the latter typically limited to an adjective for describing abilities which appear to exceed possible bounds.

Supernatural claims assert phenomena beyond the realm of current scientific understanding, and may likewise be in direct conflict with scientific concepts of possibility, plausibility, or reality in general. The supernatural concept is generally identified with religion or other belief systems – though there is much debate as to whether a supernatural aspect is necessary for religion, or that religion is necessary for holding a concept of the supernatural.

Those denying the plausibility of the supernatural typically claim that the only events which cannot be studied scientifically are those which cannot be perceived by any means. If an event claimed to be supernatural really has happened, it can therefore be studied scientifically and is not supernatural.