Pseudoscience << SOO doh SY uhns >> is any idea or belief system that looks like science or claims to be science, but is not. The word science comes from the Latin word scientia, which means knowledge. The word pseudoscience comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning fake knowledge. Science covers the broad field of knowledge about the nature of the universe. Science is based upon ways of investigation using the collection of facts and evidence and the relationships among those facts. Knowledge is gathered from direct observation and experimentation. Scientific knowledge is collected and analyzed to answer questions regardless of the political, spiritual, or cultural background of the investigator. Pseudoscience attempts to appear as if it is following this philosophy, but does not actually do so.
Most scientists consider several belief systems to fall within the category of pseudoscience. These include astrology, cryptozoology, divination, eugenics, homeopathy, numerology, parapsychology, and phrenology. What separates pseudoscience from nonstandard beliefs, such as conspiracy theories, is that pseudoscience practitioners try to use the techniques of genuine science in their work.
Pseudoscientific beliefs
have a number of common elements. Pseudoscience rarely develops or advances beyond its origins. For example, astrology claims that the sun, moon, planets, and stars are supposedly related to life and events on Earth. However, the methodology of astrologers has changed little since the Middle Ages (400’s through the 1400’s), even in light of modern advances in astronomy.
Pseudoscience practitioners also reject or ignore data that is contrary to their core beliefs. For example, some people claim that the Earth is flat. They may cite various observations that seem to support this claim. However, flat Earth theory ignores the overwhelming scientific evidence that the Earth is spherical. In some instances, pseudoscience may be used to advance a political or other agenda. People who reject the fact that most scientists today believe Earth’s climate is changing may point to a few carefully selected scientific examples that support their view. They tend to ignore the vast body of scientific evidence assembled by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that shows climate change is occurring.
Pseudoscience practitioners often use technology to make what they are doing appear respectable. Modern ghost hunters, for example, often use temperature gauges or night vision devices in order to claim that they are being scientific in their investigations. However, the usefulness of such technology is not scientifically established for these investigations. There is no scientific proof that ghosts actually exist. Therefore, there is no scientific basis to think that a ghost has a temperature to be detected with a gauge.
Consequences of pseudoscience.
Many examples of pseudoscience may seem harmless. People may enjoy reading their daily horoscope in the newspaper for entertainment. Yet, they do not actually believe the horoscope is a scientific prediction of future events. However, in other instances, pseudoscience can be harmful.
One example of the consequences of belief in pseudoscience is the anti-vaccination movement. Among some groups, there is a belief that autism may be caused by certain childhood vaccinations. Autism is a disorder characterized by limited ability to communicate and interact with other people. It appears in young children and persists throughout life. Numerous research studies by reputable institutions have shown that vaccinations have no connection to the development of autism in children. One research study that suggested a connection between vaccinations and autism was published in 1998. However, the published research was later recalled when evidence of flawed methodology and deliberate fraud by the researchers was discovered. Still, some people reject these findings and refuse to have their children vaccinated. They prefer the arguments of the few remaining researchers who claim, without genuine scientific evidence, that vaccinations are the direct cause of autism. Unvaccinated children are at a higher risk for infectious diseases that may then spread to the greater population. Outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, have reappeared in Europe and the United States. Before the 1990’s, widespread childhood vaccination programs had nearly eliminated these diseases.
