PoliticsAugust 22, 2026

pseudoscience

SOO-doh-SY-uhns

Definition

A collection of beliefs or practices that are presented as scientific but lack valid scientific methodology, empirical evidence, or falsifiability.

Etymology

The word is a hybrid formation combining the Greek prefix 'pseudo-', meaning 'false' or 'lying,' with the Latin-derived English noun 'science.' It entered English in the mid-19th century to identify theories that masquerade as genuine science.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe academic work that fails to meet rigorous standards and relies on unsupported, speculative theories, specifically criticizing Nathan Cofnas’s research methodology.

EXCLUSIVE: "shoddy" Cofnas was unfit for his Uni job say colleagues - months before Arday attack

Read the full article ↗

The Canary

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