1. Pseudoscience

Definition:
Pseudoscience refers to claims, beliefs, or practices that are presented as scientific but lack the hallmarks of legitimate science—such as testability, peer review, reproducibility, or adherence to the scientific method.

Key Features:

  • Not falsifiable or testable (e.g., astrology, crystal healing)
  • Uses scientific-sounding language without real methodology
  • Resistant to change even when faced with contradictory evidence
  • Lacks peer review or is supported only by anecdotal evidence
  • Often driven by ideology, belief systems, or commercial motives

Examples:

  • Astrology
  • Homeopathy (at high dilutions)
  • Ancient astronaut theories

2. Junk Science

Definition:
Junk science refers to actual scientific research or claims that are flawed, biased, cherry-picked, or misleading. It is presented as valid science but involves the misuse or distortion of legitimate scientific processes.

Key Features:

  • Uses real data but in a misleading or incomplete way
  • May involve credentialed scientists, but with conflicts of interest
  • Cherry-picks studies or misinterprets results
  • Often used to support political, financial, or legal agendas
  • May appear in court or media with selective expert testimony

Examples:

  • Industry-funded studies minimizing the risks of smoking, asbestos, or PFAS
  • Misrepresented vaccine safety data
  • Misuse of correlation as causation

Key Differences:

FeaturePseudoscienceJunk Science
Claims to be science?YesYes
Uses scientific methods?NoYes, but misapplies or distorts them
Peer-reviewed?Rarely or neverSometimes, but often low-quality or conflicted
MotiveOften ideological or belief-basedOften financial or political
Can be corrected by science?No, usually resists correctionYes, through better studies and critique
Real-world influenceLimited (but persistent)High, especially in courts or policy

Summary:

  • Pseudoscience is not science at all—it just imitates the appearance of science.
  • Junk science is bad or corrupted science—it may look legitimate but is methodologically or ethically flawed.

Both are dangerous, especially when used to mislead the public or influence health, legal, or policy decisions.

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