pseudo-science
Dressed-up snake oil
Pseudo-science is a set of beliefs or practices that claims scientific validity but lacks the methodology, evidence, or rigor of actual science.
Astrology, phrenology, and many alternative medicine systems fall into this category.
The term is pejorative—calling something pseudo-science dismisses its claims as unfounded: Critics labeled the study pseudo-science.
Also spelled pseudoscience.
Exposed as fraudulent
- discreditedProven unworthy of trust
- quackeryFraudulent medical practice
- unfoundedWithout factual support
- refutedProved an argument false
disproven · charlatanism · fallacious · bogus · spurious · misinformation · unsubstantiated · implausible
Divination by celestial positions
- numerologyMystical significance of digits
- phrenologySkull-bump personality assessment
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
- crystal healingTherapeutic use of gemstones
parapsychology · ufology · cryptozoology · flat-earth · antivax · geomancy · naturopathy · chiropractic
Faker claiming false expertise
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- snake-oilFraudulent cure-all
- fabricationDeliberately untrue statement
sham · imposture · trickery · deception · dupery · con artist · grifter · huckster
Ease of being deceived
- naivetyInnocent lack of experience
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
- faith healingTreatment through religious practice
- wishful thinkingBelief shaped by desire
confirmation bias · magical thinking · credulous · uncritical · anecdotal evidence · testimonials · placebo effect · cognitive bias
debunked
Exposed as fraudulent
- discreditedProven unworthy of trust
- quackeryFraudulent medical practice
- unfoundedWithout factual support
refuted · disproven · charlatanism · fallacious · bogus · spurious · misinformation · unsubstantiated · implausible · fact-checking
astrology
Divination by celestial positions
- numerologyMystical significance of digits
- phrenologySkull-bump personality assessment
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
crystal healing · parapsychology · ufology · cryptozoology · flat-earth · antivax · geomancy · naturopathy · chiropractic · dowsing
charlatan
Faker claiming false expertise
fabrication · sham · imposture · trickery · deception · dupery · con artist · grifter · huckster · mountebank
gullibility
Ease of being deceived
- naivetyInnocent lack of experience
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
- faith healingTreatment through religious practice
wishful thinking · confirmation bias · magical thinking · credulous · uncritical · anecdotal evidence · testimonials · placebo effect · cognitive bias · susceptibility
- Misconceptionsmisconception, myth, fallacy, false belief, mistaken belief
- deceptionlie, lies, lying, fake, fraud
pseudo-sciencescience
Systematic study through observation
hard science · scientific method · experimental science · natural science · physics