Pseudoscience

Pseudoscience is a label for beliefs or practices that claim to be scientific but do not adhere to the standards of scientific inquiry. Practices labeled as pseudoscientific often rely on anecdotal evidence, selective data, vague or untestable hypotheses, and explanations that are not falsifiable. They typically lack robust methods, fail to reproduce results, and are not subjected to independent verification or peer review. In contrast, science rests on testable hypotheses, empirical evidence, replicable methods, critical scrutiny, and a willingness to revise or abandon ideas when new data contradict them.

Pseudoscience may imitate scientific language or presentation while avoiding genuine methodological scrutiny. It can appeal to authority, tradition, or personal experience rather than to systematically collected evidence. Because it is not readily testable or self-correcting, pseudoscientific claims tend to persist without measurable progress.

Common domains cited as pseudoscience include astrology, homeopathy, various forms of alternative medicine, parapsychology, and some forms of creationism or intelligent design. It is important to distinguish legitimate scientific skepticism from blanket rejection: skepticism judges claims on evidence and method, whereas pseudoscience relies on non-empirical criteria.

History and philosophy: The demarcation between science and pseudoscience has been debated; falsifiability, reproducibility, and empirical corroboration are among the criteria used, though no single criterion is universally accepted.

Impact and response: Pseudoscience can mislead people and influence health, policy, and public beliefs. Combating it involves science education, critical thinking, transparent methods, and open, evidence-based dialogue.