ikkevitenskapelige

Ikkevitenskapelige refers to concepts, beliefs, or practices that are not based on the scientific method or empirical evidence. This can encompass a wide range of subjects, including pseudoscience, anecdotal evidence, personal opinions, traditions, and some forms of philosophical inquiry. The defining characteristic is a lack of reliance on systematic observation, experimentation, testable hypotheses, and peer review, which are hallmarks of scientific investigation.

While science seeks to explain the natural world through observable phenomena and logical deduction, ikkevitenskapelige approaches often rely on intuition, faith, personal experience, or authority. Pseudoscience, for example, may present itself as scientific but lacks the rigorous methodology and falsifiable claims that characterize genuine scientific theories. Anecdotal evidence, while potentially illustrative, is not considered reliable proof because it is subjective and prone to bias.

It is important to distinguish between what is scientific and what is ikkevitenskapelige to critically evaluate information. While nichtwissenschaftelige beliefs can hold personal or cultural significance, they are generally not accepted as factual within a scientific context. The boundaries between these domains can sometimes be blurry, particularly in areas where scientific understanding is still developing or when dealing with subjective experiences. However, the core distinction lies in the adherence to the principles of scientific inquiry.