Pseudoscience

Saboury, Ali Akbar; Kazemi, Fatemeh

Pseudoscience

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran,Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Pseudoscience is a claim, belief, or practice which is presented as scientific, but which does not adhere to a valid scientific methodology. Since the spread of this phenomenon, scientists have tried to determine the criteria, to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. While the standards for distinction between both can vary from field to field, but the basic concept is that all test results must be reproducible on cause and effect and is able to confirm each other. Falsifiable and the ability to reject a hypothesis is another way to distinguish science from pseudoscience. Pseudoscience form based on the non-testable and irrefutable theory. Today, plagiarism and research misconduct that led to retraction of a published scientific article can be a type of pseudoscience. In addition, forging and falsification of data that will disturb the integrity of scientific papers, and have irreparable damage in the medical field is also pseudoscience. Academic pseudoscience in their appearance, such as science, but in reality, lacks its underlying substance. It makes it difficult to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. According to the development of pseudoscience in today’s world, it is essential to critical thinking as engaged, skillful, judgmental assessment to be included in the education system.

Keywords

20.1001.1.2008935.1394.06.1.2.6

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