pseudo science
Faux empirical claims
Pseudo science (also pseudoscience) refers to beliefs or practices presented as scientific but lacking the rigorous methodology, reproducibility, or peer review that characterize genuine science.
Astrology, phrenology, and crystal healing are classic examples.
The term is often deployed dismissively: He called climate skepticism pseudo science.
The boundary between pseudo science and legitimate inquiry sometimes sparks debate, especially in emerging or contested fields.
- astrologyDivination by celestial positions
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
- snake oilFraudulent cure-all
- confirmation biasPreferring belief-supporting information
- cherry pickingUsing only favorable examples
dogmatism · cargo cult · alchemy · falsifiability · phrenology · flat earth · motivated reasoning · skepticism · cryptozoology · numerology · anecdotal evidence · logical reasoning · quackery · faith healing · cognitive dissonance · pyramidology · dowsing · appeal to authority
pseudo sciencescience
Systematic study through observation
hard science · scientific method · experimental science · natural science · clinical research
pseudo sciencescholarly research
Methodical expert investigation
academic research · university research · scientific consensus
pseudo sciencecritical thinking
Objective evaluation of information
scientific skepticism · skeptical inquiry · intellectual rigor