pseudovetenskaplighet

Pseudovetenskaplighet refers to claims, beliefs, or practices that are presented as scientific but lack adherence to the scientific method. These claims often mimic scientific terminology or styles of presentation but fail to meet the rigorous standards of evidence, falsifiability, and peer review that characterize genuine scientific inquiry.

Key characteristics of pseudoscientific claims include a reliance on anecdotal evidence, a resistance to falsification, a lack of reproducible results, and often a deliberate obfuscation of the underlying principles or data. Pseudoscientific proponents may also engage in ad hominem attacks against critics or cherry-pick data to support their predetermined conclusions.

Distinguishing pseudoscientific claims from actual scientific research is crucial for public understanding and informed decision-making. Science progresses through a process of hypothesis testing, experimentation, and open scrutiny by the scientific community. Pseudoscientific endeavors, conversely, tend to operate in isolation, shielded from critical evaluation and often promoting theories that contradict well-established scientific principles. Examples of pseudoscientific fields include astrology, some forms of alternative medicine lacking empirical support, and certain conspiracy theories presented as scientific fact.