http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience
Pseudoscience is a claim, belief or practice which is falsely presented as
scientific, but does not adhere to a
valid scientific method, cannot be
reliably tested, or otherwise lacks scientific status.
[1]Pseudoscience is often characterized by the use of vague, contradictory, exaggerated or
unprovable claims, an over-reliance on
confirmation rather than
rigorous attempts at refutation, a lack of openness to evaluation by other experts, and a general absence of systematic processes to rationally develop theories.
A field, practice, or body of knowledge can reasonably be called pseudoscientific when it is presented as consistent with the
norms of scientific research, but it demonstrably fails to meet these norms.
[2] Science is also distinguishable from
revelation,
theology, or
spirituality in that it offers insight into the physical world obtained by
empirical research and testing.
[3] Commonly held beliefs in
popular science may not meet the criteria of science.
[4] "Pop science" may blur the divide between science and pseudoscience among the general public, and may also involve
science fiction.
[4] Pseudoscientific beliefs are widespread, even among public school science teachers and newspaper reporters.
[5]
The
demarcation problem between science and pseudoscience has ethical
political implications, as well as
philosophical and
scientific issues.
[6] Differentiating science from pseudoscience has practical implications in the case of
health care,
expert testimony,
environmental policies, and
science education.
[7] Distinguishing scientific facts and theories from pseudoscientific beliefs such as those found in
astrology,
alchemy,
medical quackery, and
occult beliefs combined with scientific concepts, is part of science education and
scientific literacy.
[8]