füsiognoomia

Füsiognoomia, also known as physiognomy, is a pseudoscientific practice that claims to assess character or personality traits by examining a person's facial features and expressions. The underlying principle is that the physical appearance of the face is indicative of an individual's inner nature, temperament, and even their moral standing. Historically, physiognomy has been explored in various cultures, with ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle and later scholars such as Johann Kaspar Lavater contributing to its development and popularization.

The practice often involves categorizing facial features like the shape of the forehead, the size and placement of the eyes, the structure of the nose, the fullness of the lips, and the shape of the chin. Different combinations and characteristics were believed to correspond to specific personality traits, such as intelligence, courage, deceitfulness, or kindness. For instance, a prominent forehead might be associated with intellect, while a sharp nose could be linked to cunning.

Despite its historical presence, modern science does not support the claims of physiognomy. Controlled studies have consistently failed to find any reliable correlation between facial features and personality traits. The scientific community largely regards physiognomy as a pseudoscience, lacking empirical evidence and falling prey to confirmation bias and subjective interpretation. Its historical appeal often stemmed from a desire to understand and predict human behavior, but its methods are considered unscientific and potentially discriminatory.