MadSci Network: Other
Query:

Re: What is the different between pseudoscience and science?

Date: Sat Apr 11 15:03:33 1998
Posted By: David Winsemius, MadSci Admin
Area of science: Other
ID: 892269692.Ot
Message:

Science is the investigation of the natural world. It emphasizes careful 
measurement, development of theoretical systems, testing of theories against 
evidence, and replication of claims by other investigators.

Pseudoscience is the attempt to present unproven or unprovable claims in a 
"scientific" wrapping. Consider these sites as sources of inforamtion about 
pseudoscience:
Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
APA investigation of facilitated communication
Skepticism and Pseudoscience
New Scientist review of Sagan's book on pseudoscience, "A Demon-Haunted World"
Consider this as something else: Astral projection?
You may want to investigate the areas of silicone breast implants, chronic 
Ebstein-Barr infections, chronic immune dysfunction, and chronic Lyme disease as 
medical examples where a lot of pseudoscience exists. Sometimes it is very hard 
to draw the dividing line. A historical inquiry into the diagnosis of 
neurasthenia would be interesting. It seems to have been relabelled in recent 
years. I'm sure if you follow up the areas listed above you will stumble across 
its new name.




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