pseudowissenschaftlich

Pseudowissenschaftlich is a German adjective used to describe claims, theories, or methods that simulate scientific form but fail to meet the criteria of genuine science. The term derives from Pseudowissenschaft (pseudoscience), combining the prefix pseudo- false with Wissenschaft, and the suffix -lich to form the adjective pseudowissenschaftlich. It is commonly used in scholarly, journalistic, and public discourse to label a claim as not scientifically substantiated, even though it may appeal to data, experiments, or experts.

Typical characteristics cited for pseudowissenschaftlich claims include lack of falsifiability or testability, absence of reliable methods for independent replication, reliance on anecdotal evidence or selected observations, vague or obfuscated methodology, and failure to engage with peer review or critical scrutiny. Arguably, such claims may also overstate results, use misleading statistics, or promote confirmation bias.

The term carries an evaluative and sometimes pejorative connotation and is frequently used in debates about science communication, medicine, education, or policy. Critics warn that labeling something pseudowissenschaftlich can obscure legitimate questions or dissent, while proponents of science literacy emphasize clear criteria for demarcating science from non-science.

In German-speaking contexts, the label is often applied to areas such as alternative medicine, bestimmte paranormale Behauptungen, Parapsychologie or Verschwörungstheorien. While the concept of pseudoscience shares cross-cultural parallels with other languages, the formulation pseudowissenschaftlich remains a concise way to flag methodological weaknesses within scientific discourse.