Pseudo-science is any belief system or methodology which tries to gain legitimacy by wearing the
trappings of science, but fails to abide by the methodology and standards
of evidence that characterize real science. Pseudo scientists repeatedly assume
the vocabulary of science, providing supposed evidence from observation, subjective
testimonials and faked experiments.
Pseudo scientists
show a total lack of interest in any form of replication or outside
verification. When reliable evidences are required, they will attack the opponent
and even insult him/her. These personal attacks are irrelevant to the
argument in discussion, and this is what the pseudo scientists want: to kill
the demands of evidences he/she doesn’t have. We see the ad hominem logical fallacy at work.
The self proclaimed experts in “alternative sciences” do
not allow the logical possibility that they can be shown to be false by
observation or physical experiment.
Fakers put themselves
above any discussion. Their arguments are dogmatic as religious revelations.
If this doesn’t work, the pseudo-scientist will appeal to
conspiracy theories that presumably deny the “truth” he/she represents.
Some proponents of
ideas that contradict accepted scientific theories avoid subjecting their thoughts
to peer review, sometimes on the grounds that peer review is biased towards
established paradigms, and sometimes on the grounds that assertions cannot be
evaluated adequately using standard scientific methods. By remaining insulated from the peer review process, these proponents decline
the opportunity of corrective feedback from informed colleagues.
Because of this, pseudo scientists will try always to
reach the public and never the scientific institutions. This practice is called “science by press conference”.
Besides, in attempting to confirm their beliefs, the pretender tends to identify their
critics as enemies. The scientific community-he says-conspires to suppress
their “true knowledge”.
Last but not least, pseudo scientists will try to give
some legitimacy to their fantasies quoting anonymous scientific sources. Also
these individuals appeal to inappropriate authority, which
occurs when an inference relies upon a
person or a group without relevant expertise or knowledge of the subject matter
under discussion.
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