20 Examples of Pseudosciences

Pseudosciences

The pseudosciences are those practices or theories that are presented as science but that they do not respond to a valid research method or cannot be verified by the scientific method. For example: acupuncture, astrology, numerology, alkaline diets.

While science cannot be falsifiable (it cannot be refuted), pseudosciences use scientific data to defend postulates that have no experimental verification. They are usually validated by society, although many times they lack foundations and logic.

The term pseudoscience carries a negative charge, as it suggests that something is being presented as science when it is not. For example: on the medicinal level, when certain effects or benefits are attributed to some practices without being empirically endorsed.

There are numerous examples of disciplines, methods, and theories that are considered pseudosciences. They cultivate adherents all over the world.

Characteristics of pseudosciences

Pseudoscience vs. science

Detractors of pseudosciences argue that an intentional attempt is made to put pseudosciences and verifiable science on an equal footing. Unlike science, in pseudosciences the same object of study can respond differently.

Medicine is the science that most alternates with pseudosciences, since there are a variety of alternative therapies with which diseases and pathologies are treated. Many of the therapies have diffuse limits and foundations and appeal to the emotional aspect of the people who consume them. For example: cancer cure therapies.

In recent years, governments, universities and science professionals have spread information and information campaigns among the population. of awareness about the differences between science and pseudosciences so that people could know and to decide.

Conspiracy theories

Conspiracy theories are alternative theories to official ones that argue that governments and power groups deceive citizens about some issues. For example: the arrival of man on the moon, the effects of the use of vaccines or the concealment of the cure for cancer.

These pseudoscientific theories are found in the fields of medicine and science, and have been widely accepted. Some theories about planet Earth are:

Examples of pseudosciences

1. Astrology. Study of the relationship between the position of planets, stars, satellites and people's personalities.
2. Cerealology. Study of circles that appear in large openings and that have a remarkable perfection and symmetry.
3. Cryptozoology. Study of animals called cryptics, such as the Loch Ness Monster or the chupacabra.
4. Numerology. Hidden study of numbers to determine characteristics of people.
5. Parapsychology Study of extrasensory phenomena between living human beings, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, telekinesis.
6. Psychoanalysis. Study that supports the importance of the processes that are repressed unconsciously and lodged in a state of latency or unconsciousness.
7. Dowsing. Study of a characteristic that certain people could have to perceive electromagnetic charges.
8. Graphology. Study of the personality of a subject by observing her writing.
9. Iridology. A method that maintains that all disorders of the body can be diagnosed by looking for changes in the color of the iris of the eye.
10. Homeopathy. Method that supports the cure of certain diseases through the oral application of minimal doses of artisanal preparations.
11. Feng shui Harmonization method that is based on the four elements (water, earth, fire, air) in relation to the harmony of a particular home or space for the correct circulation of energy.
12. Palmistry. Divination method based on the study of the lines of the hands.
13. Biomagnetism. Method of curing diseases through the use of magnets.
14. Germanic New Medicine. Set of practices that promise the cure of most diseases.

Pseudoscientific theories

1. Physiognomy. Theory that affirms that from the physiognomy of a person it is possible to know their personality.
2. Phrenology. Theory that states that a certain characteristic or mental capacity is located in a certain area of ​​the brain.
3. Cosmic ice theory. Theory that states that ice is the basis of all matter in the universe.
4. A second moon. Theory that affirms the existence of a second moon located about 3,570 kilometers away from Earth.
5. Creationism. Theory that maintains that the universe was created by God.
6. Personology. Theory that states that the features of a person's face can be an indicator of the type of personality that he possesses.