Supernatural vs Paranormal: Which is correct?

Nomenclature is important in any area of research. Terms should be accurate descriptions of the phenomena they represent and, if the wording is inaccurate, it is essential to change it.

If the field of the study of unknown phenomena is to be taken seriously - if it is to be on par with other forms of scientific research - it needs to have accurate and appropriate terminology by which it is described.  Here, I wish to end a debate: is "supernatural" or "paranormal" a better term for the appearance of unexplained phenomena?

The answer is deceptively simple. One of these exists in reality, the other does not. One is a fantasy, one is a reality. One is an appropriate term, the other is not. The supernatural simple does not exist.

It is first important to break down these terms and understand exactly what they portray.  The term supernatural consists of two parts - super and natural.  The word super is from Latin meaning "over, above, in addition to or on top of."  Natural is defined as "existing as part of or determined by nature" with nature being "all existing phenomena in its entirety."  The term supernatural therefore refers to something that is above or outside of nature or something unnatural. This term is incorrect.

There is nothing that is truly unnatural.  Assuming for a moment - for the sake of this argument - that ghosts exist, their existence would not be "outside of nature" but would instead be a phenomena of nature which is not yet understood by human beings.  This would not be something unnatural, but instead would be something which redefines human understanding of what nature is.

The term "paranormal" is much more appropriate.  Para is from the Greek meaning "besides or next to." Normal is from norma, the Latin word for a craftsman's square and denotes "something that is usual, typical, or standard."  Something paranormal is therefore something that is outside of typical experience.  This is an accurate term for currently unexplained phenomena.

There is nothing that is supernatural as this term ignores exactly what is meant by the word nature, being the whole of existence. There are, however, those things which are paranormal, which are rarely observed and which are currently not understood by human intellect.  It is for this reason that it is suggested that those in the community of study of unknown phenomena should abandon entirely the word "supernatural" and adopt the term "paranormal" to accurately describe that which is studied by the community.