Parapsychology: Within the field of parapsychology, phantoms are often referred to as apparitions, ghosts, or spiritual entities that are separate from the physical world and can interact with the living. These phantoms are frequently described as having humanoid forms but may also appear in various shapes or exhibit unusual characteristics.
Philosophy and Psychology: In philosophy and psychology, phantoms may be understood as constructs of the mind, perceptions, or vivid hallucinations that arise from psychological factors, beliefs, or sensory distortions. They can be related to altered states of consciousness, dreams, or psychotic experiences.
Folklore and Religion: Across different folklore traditions and religious beliefs, phantoms are commonly linked with the spirits of the deceased, ancestral spirits, or other entities that exist in the realm of the supernatural. They are believed to appear in various forms and may carry meanings or messages from beyond.
Performing Arts: Phantoms are also depicted in the performing arts, such as theater and film, to represent supernatural characters or as special effects to create an eerie or mysterious atmosphere.
Science: The concept of phantoms has been explored scientifically to understand the underlying psychological mechanisms and cognitive processes that contribute to phantom experiences. Neuroscientific studies have examined brain activity, cognitive biases, and visual perception in relation to the perception of phantom phenomena.
While the nature and existence of phantoms remain contested and often speculative, the term encompasses various interpretations ranging from psychological phenomena to paranormal entities.