July 19, 2006

• On science and pseudoscience

  
  

  The foundation of science is reality.  Science is nothing more than the observation of, description of, argument about, and finding application for, reality.  Whether electrons, planets, mice, or men, true scientists observe, take notes, describe, poke, prod, test, describe some more, argue (or debate), then describe some more.  While this description is grossly simplistic, it gets at a foundational truth:  Unless scientists' theories and hypotheses correspond to an actual chunk of reality, they are dabbling in philosphy or theology, not science. 

  
  

  When science is practiced from this foundation, and is committed to accurately describing reality, it is powerful and helpful.  Removed from this foundation, but still "promoted" as science, it becomes pseudoscience, manipulative and dangerous.

  
  

  How do we know the difference when "4 out of five doctors recommend," or when "current research reveals?" 

  
  

   

  • 2:45 pm
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