Pseudoscience: meaning, definitions and examples

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pseudoscience

 

[ˈsjuːdəʊˌsaɪəns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

scientific study

Pseudoscience refers to claims, beliefs, or practices that are presented as scientific but lack the evidence and methodology that are characteristics of legitimate science. It often relies on anecdotal evidence, lacks empirical support, and does not adhere to the scientific method.

Synonyms

charlatanry, false science, quackery.

Examples of usage

  • Astrology is considered a pseudoscience by the scientific community.
  • Some alternative medicine practices are criticized as pseudoscience.
  • Pseudoscience can lead to misconceptions about health and science.
  • Many conspiracy theories are rooted in pseudoscientific beliefs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term derives from the Greek word 'pseudo,' meaning false or fake, and 'science,' which refers to methodical knowledge.
  • The word emerged in the 19th century as a way to describe practices resembling science but lacking scientific rigor.

Historical Context

  • In the late 1800s, some practices like phrenology (the study of skull shapes) became popular despite lacking scientific support.
  • The rise of pseudoscience often coincided with periods of scientific advancement, responding to public interest and skepticism.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, lead individuals to accept pseudoscientific claims if they align with their beliefs.
  • People often prefer simple explanations for complex phenomena, making pseudoscience appealing despite its inaccuracies.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows frequently portray pseudoscientific concepts, such as aliens and psychic abilities, attracting audiences despite lacking factual basis.
  • In popular media, 'science' is often used loosely, causing confusion between genuine scientific inquiry and entertainment.

Current Debate

  • The growth of the internet has allowed pseudoscientific ideas to spread rapidly, often alongside legitimate scientific information.
  • Public health issues, such as vaccine hesitancy, highlight the impact of pseudoscience on society and personal decision-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "pseudoscience" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pseudociência

🇮🇳 छद्म विज्ञान

🇩🇪 Pseudowissenschaft

🇮🇩 pseudoscience

🇺🇦 псевдонаука

🇵🇱 pseudonauka

🇯🇵 疑似科学

🇫🇷 pseudoscience

🇪🇸 pseudociencia

🇹🇷 pseudobilim

🇰🇷 유사 과학

🇸🇦 علم زائف

🇨🇿 pseudověda

🇸🇰 pseudoveda

🇨🇳 伪科学

🇸🇮 pseudonauka

🇮🇸 pseudovísindi

🇰🇿 псевдонаука

🇬🇪 პსევდო მეცნიერება

🇦🇿 psevdomüəssisə

🇲🇽 pseudociencia

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,321, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.