Criteria for Demarcation of Pseudoscientific knowledge, Channels and Consequences of its Dissemination

Abstract

The criteria for distinguishing between scientific and pseudoscientific information have been studied. The scientific activity as a system is characterized, its goals and the principles of scientific discussion are highlighted. Simultaneously with the growing importance of science and the widespread development of high scientific technologies, there are such trends in everyday culture as: profanity of science, high level of superstition among the population, pathological susceptibility to cognitive distortions. Technologies that use pseudoscience to influence public opinion are described. One of the main factors of popularity of pseudoscience is the crisis of modern culture, criticism of the existing paradigms of worldview. The role of the media in the dissemination of pseudoscientific information was emphasized and the consequences of such dissemination for individuals and the whole society are highlighted. Pseudoscience undermines the authority of science, harms the health of citizens, disorients people, destroys business. Scientists build theories based on methodology and system of scientific facts, operate a strict system of principles and approaches to research. Instead, pseudoscientists select only those facts that confirm the speculative theory, and at the same time ignore all other facts. In scientific discussions, there is taboo on subjectivity, demagoguery, threats, administrative, political, and legislative pressure, etc. It is emphasized that the most authoritative source of reliable scientific information is a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Keywords

• pseudoscience
• parascience
• quasi science
• antiscience
• scientific publications