Epätieteellisyys

Epätieteellisyys refers to a lack of adherence to scientific principles or methods. It encompasses a range of concepts, including pseudoscience, quackery, and scientifically unsupported claims. Pseudoscience often mimics the appearance of science, using jargon and sometimes presenting seemingly empirical evidence, but it lacks the rigor of genuine scientific investigation. Key characteristics of pseudoscience include a lack of falsifiability, reliance on anecdotal evidence, resistance to peer review, and confirmation bias.

Quackery is a specific form of epätieteellisyys, particularly prevalent in health and medicine. It involves the promotion of fraudulent or ignorant medical practices, often with the promise of cures for serious ailments. Quackery thrives on exploiting vulnerable individuals and can lead to serious harm by delaying or replacing effective medical treatment.

Scientifically unsupported claims are assertions that have not been validated by the scientific community. These can range from everyday misunderstandings of scientific concepts to elaborate conspiracy theories. The defining feature is the absence of robust, reproducible evidence that meets scientific standards. Distinguishing between legitimate scientific debate and epätieteellisyys is crucial for informed decision-making, particularly in areas impacting public health and policy. The scientific method, with its emphasis on observation, hypothesis testing, and falsifiability, serves as the primary tool for identifying and combating epätieteellisyys.