1.1 KiB
1.1 KiB
Characteristics of Pseudoscience
- tags
- source
- https://www.reddit.com/r/coolguides/comments/plvskm/a_guide_on_how_to_sniff_out_pseudoscience/
11 points
- Is UNFALSIFIABLE (can't be proven wrong): Makes vague or unobservable claims
- Relies heavily on ANECDOTES, personal experiences, and testimonials
- CHERRY PICKS confirming evidence while ignoring/minimizing disconfirming evidence
- Uses TECHNOBABBLE: words that sound scientific but don't make sense
- Lacks PLAUSIBLE MECHANISM: Now way to explain it based on existing knowledge
- Is UNCHANGING: Doesn't self-correct or progress
- Makes EXTRAORDINARY/EXAGERATED CLAIMS with insufficient evidence
- Professes CERTAINTY: Talks of "proof", with great confidence
- Commits LOGICAL FALLACIES: Arguments contain errors in reasoning
- Lacks PEER REVIEW: Goes directly to the public, avoiding scientific scrutinity
- Claims there's a CONSPIRACY to suppress their ideas