List of topics considered to be pseudoscience
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This is a list of topics that have been characterized as pseudoscience by some scientists and researchers.[1]
Physical sciences change
Physics change
- Autodynamics
- Bogdanov affair - In 2002, the Bogdanoff twins pursued doctorates. Their PhD theses were considered pseudoscience.
- Einstein–Cartan–Evans theory
- Electrogravitics
- Hongcheng Magic Liquid
- Hydrinos
- Perpetual motion - Theory pertaining to the belief that objects can move endlessly, which violates the second law of thermodynamics.
- Free energy - Theory that endless energy can be created from perpetual motion machines, which violates the second law of thermodynamics.
- Water-fuelled cars
Astronomy and space sciences change
- 2012
- Ancient astronauts - A belief that aliens were involved in human evolution/ancient societies.
- Astrology (see also astrology and science)
- Dogon people and Sirius B
- Electric universe and Plasma cosmology - Belief that stars consist of electricity
- Lunar effect
- Moon landing conspiracy theories - Some people believe the moon landing was faked.
- Nibiru cataclysm - A belief that a mythological planet named Nibiru would crash into Earth in 2012.
- Worlds in Collision (Velikovsky)
Earth science change
- 366 geometry or Megalithic geometry
- The Bermuda Triangle - A location that supposedly has caused many plane and boat crashes.
- Flat Earth - A belief that the Earth is secretly flat, and governments are hiding it.
- Hollow Earth - A theory that the interior of the Earth is hollow.
Applied sciences change
Biology change
Psychology change
- Attachment therapy
- Conversion therapy - A theory that gay people can be converted to being straight.
- Freud's psychoanalytic theories
- Graphology
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- Memetics - Belief that the mind has its own version of genes, named memes
- Near death experiences
- Neurolinguistic programming
- Parapsychology
- Phrenology
- Polygraphy ("lie detectors") - The practice of using devices to determine whether or not someone is lying.
- Primal therapy
- Reincarnation
Health and medicine change
- 5G and COVID-19 - The belief that 5G causes COVID-19
- Alternative medicine
- Anthroposophic medicine, or anthroposophically extended medicine
- Applied kinesiology (AK)
- Vaccines and autism - A belief that vaccines cause autism
- Maharishi Ayurveda
- Bates method for better eyesight
- Biorhythms
- Body memory
- Brain Gym
- Chiropractics
- Colon cleansing (colonics, colon hydrotherapy)
- Craniosacral therapy
- Crystal healing
- Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)
- Faith healing
- Homeopathy
- Iridology
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Lightning Process
- Magnet therapy
- Naturopathy, or Naturopathic Medicine
- Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
- Radionics
- Reflexology, or zone therapy
- Therapeutic touch
- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
-
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture points or acupoints
Racial theories change
Technology change
Paranormal and ufology change
Paranormal or supernatural subjects have been subject to criticism from many of sources including the following claims of the paranormal:
- Animal mutilations
- Channeling
- Crop circles - Belief that aliens leave markings in fields.
- Divination
- Dowsing
- Electronic voice phenomenon
- Extra-sensory perception or ESP - Belief in psychic powers.
- Fortune-telling and palm reading - The practice of determining one's future using a palm, tarot cards or other means.
- Ghosts or spirits
- Levitation
- Magic (Apotropaic magic, Black magic and Witchcraft)
- Pseudoarchaeology
- Psychokinesis
- Rumpology
- Séances
- UFOs and Aliens
History change
Religion and Science change
Spiritual and religious practices and beliefs, according to astronomer Carl Sagan, are normally not classified as pseudoscience. Some of the ideas are:
- Biblical scientific foreknowledge (Judaism and Christianity)
- Koranic scientific (Islam)
- Christian Science
Creation science change
Creationism is the belief that the origin of everything in the universe is the result of the Christian God.
- Creationist cosmologies - Cosmologies that allow for, among other things, Earth to be only a couple thousand years old
- Baraminology
- Creation biology
- Flood geology
- Searches for Noah's Ark
- Modern geocentrism - Belief that the Earth is the center of the solar system
- Intelligent design
New age and eastern religions change
Scientology change
- Dianetics
- Scientology's Purification Rundown and Narconon programs
- Touch assist
Consumer products change
- Cosmetics and cleaning products frequently make pseudoscientific claims about their products.
- Fan death - Belief that sleeping next to a fan can cause death, typically in Asian countries
Ideas not commonly referred to change
The following concepts have only a very small number of supporters, but have become notable:
Parody pseudoscience change
The following are parodies of other pseudosciences: