(c) the ' pseudoscientific ' group asserts that its ' established facts ' have been justified by genuine, rigorous, scientific method and (b) the ' pseudoscientific ' group claims that its allegedly established facts are justified true beliefs (a) the ' pseudoscientific' group asserts that its beliefs, practices, theories, etc., are ' scientific '

During the 20th century, the word was used pejoratively to describe explanations of phenomena which were claimed to be scientific, but which were not in fact supported by reliable experimental evidence.ĭismissing the separate issue of intentional fraud-such as the Fox sisters' 'rappings' in the 1850s -the pejorative label pseudoscience distinguishes the scientific ' us ', at one extreme, from the pseudo-scientific ' them ', at the other, and asserts that ' our ' beliefs, practices, theories, etc., by contrast with that of ' the others ', are scientific.

That opposite kind of innovation which pronounces what has been recognized as a branch of science, to have been a pseudo-science, composed merely of so-called facts, connected together by misapprehensions under the disguise of principles.Īn earlier use of the term was in 1843 by the French physiologist François Magendie, that refers to phrenology as ' a pseudo-science of the present day'. Among the earliest uses of 'pseudo-science' was in an 1844 article in the Northern Journal of Medicine, issue 387: Although the term has been in use since at least the late 18th century (e.g., in 1796 by James Pettit Andrews in reference to alchemy ), the concept of pseudoscience as distinct from real or proper science seems to have become more widespread during the mid-19th century. The word pseudoscience is derived from the Greek root pseudo meaning false and the English word science, from the Latin word scientia, meaning 'knowledge'. 5 Prevalence of pseudoscientific beliefs.

4.3 Lack of openness to testing by other experts.

4.1 Use of vague, exaggerated or untestable claims.

Therefore, those practicing or advocating pseudoscience frequently dispute the characterization. The term pseudoscience is often considered pejorative particularly by purveyors of it because it suggests something is being presented as science inaccurately or even deceptively. Pseudoscientific theories about racial and ethnic classifications have led to racism and genocide. Furthermore, people who refuse legitimate medical treatments for contagious diseases may put others at risk. For example, pseudoscientific anti-vaccine activism and promotion of homeopathic remedies as alternative disease treatments can result in people forgoing important medical treatments with demonstrable health benefits, leading to deaths and ill-health. Pseudoscience can have dangerous effects. Addressing pseudoscience is part of science education and developing scientific literacy. There are implications for health care, the use of expert testimony, and weighing environmental policies. Philosophers debate the nature of science and the general criteria for drawing the line between scientific theories and pseudoscientific beliefs, but there is general agreement on examples such as ancient astronauts, climate change denial, dowsing, evolution denial, Holocaust denialism, astrology, alchemy, alternative medicine, occultism, ufology, and creationism. The demarcation between science and pseudoscience has scientific, philosophical, and political implications. Pseudoscience is often characterized by contradictory, exaggerated or unfalsifiable claims reliance on confirmation bias rather than rigorous attempts at refutation lack of openness to evaluation by other experts absence of systematic practices when developing hypotheses and continued adherence long after the pseudoscientific hypotheses have been experimentally discredited.

Pseudoscience consists of statements, beliefs, or practices that claim to be both scientific and factual but are incompatible with the scientific method.

Demonic science tab