pseudowissenschaftlichen

Pseudoscience, sometimes referred to as pseudowissenschaft in German-speaking contexts, describes claims or practices that present themselves as scientific but do not meet the standards of evidence, methodology, and critical scrutiny that define science. The term is often debated, and no single criterion universally distinguishes science from pseudoscience; nonetheless, contemporary discussions emphasize testability, falsifiability, empirical support, replicability, and the capacity for self-correction.

Common features of pseudoscience include unfalsifiable or ad hoc hypotheses, reliance on anecdotal evidence, lack of ongoing peer review, and selective use of data that ignores contradictory results. Pseudoscientific claims may use sophisticated vocabulary or appeal to authority, but they typically fail to provide transparent methods or reproducible results. The boundary between science and pseudoscience is not always clear-cut, which is why careful evaluation and methodological scrutiny are essential.

Examples frequently cited as pseudoscientific include astrology, certain forms of homeopathy, cryptozoology, and various fringe or conspiracy-based theories marketed as scientific. Pseudoscience can arise from cognitive biases, social and cultural pressures, media amplification, or incentives that reward sensational claims over rigorous evidence. Its persistence can mislead the public, waste resources, and undermine trust in legitimate science.

Evaluating such claims involves looking for peer-reviewed research, explicit methods, preregistered and replicable experiments, and a willingness to revise conclusions in light of new evidence. Distinguishing genuine scientific debate from pseudoscience requires careful scrutiny of evidence, openness to falsification, and adherence to transparent, testable standards.