Changes
Cleaned up a few sections
== Falsifiability ==
The most cited element of scientific theory is [[falsifiability]], established by [[philosopher]] [[Karl Popper]]<ref>[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/popper/#BacHisTho Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, see in particular sections 2 and 3]</ref>. A falsifiable theory makes predictions, which can be used to test it. Thus, the theory of gravity is falsifiable, as it predicts that an apple held above the ground and released will fall. If it fails the test, it is discarded, and if it passes, it is not proven, but better supported.
== Disproven Science ==
The term pseudoscience is also often applied to theories which ''are'' falsifiable and have in fact been falsified and discarded. [[Phrenology]] predicted that psychological traits could be inferred from the shape of the skull, but no actual link was ever found. Various [[astrology|astrological]] theories predicted regular planetary effects on the earth and human health, but testing those failed.
The existence of [[God]] is thus not considered scientific theory, as no test can possibly be conceived which categorically disproves His existence. The same is the case for [[string theory]], which is (although it should be noted that science can concieve tests that can limit or show what a mathematical unification of scientific theorygod has done/might do). Usually, but makes no predictions. Such such things fall outside the realm of science.
== Charlatanism ==
== Metaphysics ==
[[Spiritual]], [[metaphysical]], [[philosophical]], and [[religious belief]]s are occasionally confused with pseudoscience, as there is often an overlap in rhetoric, and charlatans blur the lines between scientific and philosophical ideas of knowledge. However, it should noted that science can place limits on things often considered as philosophical areas (for instance, [[Aristotle]] used philosphical arguments to say that falling bodies fall at different speeds depending on mass, and was disproved by [[Galileo]], who dropped two bodies and saw which hit the ground first).
== Public belief ==
Despite evidence and logic against pseudoscientific theories, many remain popular among the public. Homeopathic medicine is available at most health-food stores and is a multi-billion dollar business, and 31% of Americans believe in astrology.
Notably, twice as many more [[DemocratsRepublicans]] believe in astrology as Creationism than [[RepublicansDemocrats]], showing a strong bent of irrationality and scientific [[illiteracy]] among [[liberalsConservatives]].<ref>http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=359</ref>
There is no definitive or objective definition of the term "pseudoscience", so it is also sometimes used as a pejorative term. Pseudoscientists consider their work to be real science rather than pseudoscience. In addition to this, oftentimes theories which conflict with their theories are considered by them to be pseudoscience. Theories which are considered to be psuedoscience by the public may transition into being considered science if substantial evidence is found to support the theory. For example, before the theory of plate tectonics was fully developed, it was considered pseudoscience, whilst its predecessors, theories which involved an expanding Earth, are now considered pseudoscience.<ref>R. G. A. Dolby, ''Uncertain Knowledge: An Image of Science for a Changing World'', Published by Cambridge University Press, 2002. ISBN 0521892627, 9780521892629, 380 pages. [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=xd3ylT3WTLEC&pg=PA191&dq=pseudoscience+pejorative&num=100&as_brr=3 Page 191]</ref><ref>Brian Stableford, ''Science Fact and Science Fiction'', Published by CRC Press, 2006, ISBN 0415974607, 9780415974608, 729 pages. [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=uefwmdROKTAC&pg=PA410&dq=pseudoscience+pejorative&num=100&as_brr=3 Page 410]</ref>
==Examples of pseudosciences==
* [[Animal magnetism]]
* [[Astrology]]
* [[Dianetics]]
* [[Dominionism]]
* [[Free Energy]]
* [[Graphology]]* [[Global warming]]*Much of the work of [[Stephen HawkingCreationism]]
* [[Homeopathy]]
* [[Iridology]]
* [[Intelligent Design]]
* [[Lysenkoism]]
* [[Mesmerism]]
* [[Orgone therapy]]
* [[Creation Science]]
* [[Parapsychology]]
* [[Phrenology]]
* [[Psychoanalysis]]
* [[Reflexology]]
* [[Self-projection as God]] (also known as [[vicarious autotheism]])
* [[Ufology]]
== See also ==
Humor(Satire):
* [[Essay: You obviously don't understand how science works|You obviously don't understand how science works]] - Humor/[[Satire]]
=== Pseudoscientific Refutations of Pseudoscience Real Science ===
* [[Counterexamples to Evolution]]
* [[Counterexamples to Global Warming]]
