TechnologyAugust 22, 2026

pseudoscientific

SOO-doh-sigh-en-TIF-ik

Definition

Refers to claims, beliefs, or practices that are presented as scientific but lack a basis in scientific evidence, rigorous methodology, or testable hypotheses.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek prefix 'pseudo-', meaning 'false' or 'deceptive', combined with 'scientific'. It emerged in the mid-19th century to describe fields that mimic the language or form of science without adhering to its core empirical standards.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe texts like astrology books, contrasting them with scientifically validated sources like the DSM-5 to show that AI can distinguish between rigorous psychology and non-scientific systems.

Israeli scientists: AI can make personality tests, predict responses

Read the full article ↗

The Jerusalem Post

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