Pseudoscientist
A pseudoscientist is an individual who presents claims, methods, or theories as scientific, while lacking the rigor and evidence base of genuine science. These individuals often rely on anecdotal evidence, confirmation bias, and unfalsifiable hypotheses. They may employ scientific jargon to lend an air of legitimacy, but their work typically fails to meet the standards of peer review, empirical testing, and consistent observation that characterize scientific inquiry. Their pursuits often lack a cohesive methodology, instead, they use claims based upon opinions that have no base in real science.
Pseudoscientist meaning with examples
- Dr. Abernathy, despite holding a medical degree, was labeled a pseudoscientist due to his advocacy for unproven 'energy healing' techniques, using phrases with 'quantum this and that', which he claimed could cure all diseases, without providing any scientific basis.
- The author's book on 'crystal healing' was widely criticized as the author provided no testing evidence that showed crystals have powers. The author used a lot of pseudoscientific jargon while ignoring established scientific principles and research on physics and medicine.
- Critics accused the wellness guru of being a pseudoscientist because his recommendations for diet and exercise were promoted on social media, and showed no support in scientific literature and research.
- The 'astrology expert,' regularly appearing on the television, faced the label of pseudoscientist, as his astrological claims, lacking any credible evidence, were presented as predictions, but were often vague enough to be true, without clear methodology or scientific validity.
- After his invention of the 'perpetual motion machine' was debunked, the inventor was accused of being a pseudoscientist, since, despite all evidence, he refused to modify his ideas, clinging on his flawed methodology with a religious zeal.
Pseudoscientist Synonyms
charlatan
crackpot
false scientist
fraud
pseudoscience advocate
quack
snake oil salesman
unscientific thinker