Difference between revisions of "Pseudoscience"

Revision as of 03:22, June 6, 2012

Pseudoscience is theory or speculation which has the trappings and rhetoric of science, and is presented as science, but does not follow the scientific method. Pseudoscientific theories are typically not falsifiable, and their purveyors show unwillingness to allow outsiders to observe, test, or replicate their findings.

Falsifiability

The most cited element of scientific theory is falsifiability, established by philosopher Karl Popper^[1]. A falsifiable theory makes predictions, which can be used to test it. Thus, the theory of gravity is falsifiable, as it predicts that an apple held above the ground and released will fall. If it fails the test, it is discarded, and if it passes, it is not proven, but better supported.

Disproven science

The term pseudoscience is also often applied to theories which are falsifiable and have in fact been falsified and discarded. Phrenology predicted that psychological traits could be inferred from the shape of the skull, but no actual link was ever found. Various astrological theories predicted regular planetary effects on the earth and human health, but testing those failed.

The existence of God is thus not considered scientific theory, as no test can possibly be conceived which categorically disproves His existence. The same is the case for string theory, which is a mathematical unification of scientific theory, but makes no predictions. Such things fall outside the realm of science.

Charlatanism

The label pseudoscientist is commonly given to cranks and charlatans, who claim abnormal powers and abilities, but refuse to demonstrate them in objective, controlled, monitored environments. For example, Uri Geller claims to be able to bend spoons without applying pressure to them, but he cannot do it in front of scientists or journalists^[2]. Countless conjurers and mediums claim to be able to speak with the dead, but controlled circumstances revealed that they were really only conducting clever psychological tricks.

Metaphysics

Spiritual, metaphysical, philosophical, and religious beliefs are occasionally confused with pseudoscience, as there is often an overlap in rhetoric, and charlatans blur the lines between scientific and philosophical ideas of knowledge.

Public belief

Despite evidence and logic against pseudoscientific theories, many remain popular among the public. Homeopathic medicine is available at most health-food stores and is a multi-billion dollar business, and 31% of Americans believe in astrology.

Notably, twice as many Democrats believe in astrology as Republicans, showing a strong bent of irrationality and scientific illiteracy among liberals.^[3]

There is no definitive or objective definition of the term "pseudoscience", so it is also sometimes used as a pejorative term.^[4][5]

Examples of pseudosciences

Within the evolutionary science community and the creation science community, Richard Dawkins has faced charges of engaging in pseudoscience and also has faced charges of committing elementary errors.^[6][7] For more information, please see: Richard Dawkins and pseudoscience

• Animal magnetism
• Astrology
• Big Bang astronomy
• the Bible
• Much of the work of Richard Dawkins^[8][9] (see: Richard Dawkins and pseudoscience)
• Climatology
• Christology
• Conservapedia
• Darwinism
• Dianetics
• Dominionism
• Environmentalism
• Evolutionary biology^{[10][11][12] [13][14][15]}
• Free Energy
• God
• Graphology
• Global warming
• Much of the work of Stephen Hawking
• Homeopathy
• Iridology
• Jesus Christ
• Lysenkoism
• Mesmerism
• Much of the work of PZ Myers^[16]
• Old earth geology
• Orgone therapy
• Parapsychology
• Phrenology
• Population control
• Pseudoarchaeology
• Psychoanalysis
• Reflexology
• God (also known as theism)
• Theism
• Theology
• Relativity, Theory of
• Much of the work of Carl Sagan
• Transgenderism
• Ufology

See also

• You obviously don't understand how science works - Satire
• Scientism

Refutations of Pseudoscience

• Counterexamples to Evolution
• Counterexamples to an Old Earth
• Counterexamples to Relativity

References

1. ↑ Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, see in particular sections 2 and 3
2. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3vGGf-ZIkc Uri Geller debunked by James Randi and Johnny Carson
3. ↑ http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=359
4. ↑ R. G. A. Dolby, Uncertain Knowledge: An Image of Science for a Changing World, Published by Cambridge University Press, 2002. ISBN 0521892627, 9780521892629, 380 pages. Page 191
5. ↑ Brian Stableford, Science Fact and Science Fiction, Published by CRC Press, 2006, ISBN 0415974607, 9780415974608, 729 pages. Page 410
6. ↑ http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/send-clowns-–-richard-dawkins-obliges
7. ↑ http://creation.com/the-greatest-hoax-on-earth/main.php
8. ↑ http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/send-clowns-–-richard-dawkins-obliges
9. ↑ http://creation.com/the-greatest-hoax-on-earth/main.php
10. ↑ http://www.icr.org/home/resources/resources_tracts_scientificcaseagainstevolution/
11. ↑ http://www.grisda.org/origins/04004.htm
12. ↑ http://www.uncommondescent.com/darwinism/there-is-no-theory-of-evolution/
13. ↑ http://members.iinet.net.au/~sejones/PoE/pe05scnc.html
14. ↑ http://www.parentcompany.com/science_kit/sk3b.htm
15. ↑ http://www.apologeticspress.org/rr/reprints/Evolution-Fact-or-Theory.pdf
16. ↑ http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-pseudoscienceblogscom