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Pseudoscience Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'pseudoscience'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'pseudoscience' combines the Greek prefix 'pseudo-', meaning 'false' or 'deceptive', with the word 'science', which originates from the Latin 'scientia', meaning 'knowledge'. The usage of the term began to gain traction in the 19th century as various movements and theories emerged that claimed to be scientific but did not conform to established scientific principles. Notable examples include phrenology, astrology, and other disciplines that sought to explain human behavior and natural phenomena without the rigorous methods of experimentation and validation that characterize true scientific inquiry. The rise of the modern scientific method and increased rigor in research further highlighted the distinctions between genuine science and pseudoscience. Today, the term is frequently employed in discussions about the validity of certain theories and practices, especially those related to health, psychology, and metaphysical claims.

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.