| From: James R (Avatar) | 17/04/2001
13:29:40 |
| Subject: re: Pseudo Science | post id:
281127 |
What Drives Pseudoscience? Human egocentrism. The desire to feel powerful/important and/or comforted. There is a perception that what many people call "pseudoscience" is on in the increase in the West. Is this in fact what is happening? I don't have hard data, so I can't really answer this one. I suspect that with the decline of tradititional religion in the West, "New Age" beliefs are on the increase. However, I don't think this is at the expense of belief in science. Most people can't distinguish science and pseudoscience. On balance what real damage is being done to Science, if any, by this resurgence? The interest in pseudoscience may contribute to the undervaluing of science in our society. Other than that, I don't think major damage is being done to science. Science ignores pseudoscience, and progresses. Pseudoscience doesn't harm science. It may harm people. What is the most effective approach to counter-act pseudoscience? Education. What possible dangers are there in ineffective approaches? People will waste their time (and often their money) on things of no substance. JR | |