TH 2/13, Section 05, Pseudoscience and Magical Thinking

Psuedoscience and Magical Thinking

Erin, Jordan, Monica, and Malachi

Pseudoscience is when ideas, beliefs, or thoughts seem to be scientific, however can not be scientifically proven, therefore, relating back to the meaning of the word. Pseudo=fake. Evidence can be collected, however not in a scientific method, traditional way. (No research or experiments) Because of this many of elements are missing from pseudoscience claims when comparing to actual scientifically proven claims. There are many different types of pseudoscience, and these categories include subcategories to them. Magical thinking can be part of pseudoscience in a psychological way. Magical thinking is believing in being able to "speak something into existence." There seems to be benefits to magical thinking, as we can often use it for comfort, like we can do with pseudoscience.

Cryptozoology is the science of hidden animals. It’s the belief that there are creatures in our world who are simply undetected by those who can record their existence. This field of study does not follow the traditional scientific method which makes it difficult to have any sense of credibility. 

Paranormal pseudoscience is described as unexplained phenomena that is given mystical or magical reasoning to explain why it happened. Some major examples are the Salem witch trials, ghosts, or more recently, ufology.

Most examples of pseudoscience in medicine stems from a rejection of western medicine. A lot of times the homeopathic remedies are harmless, but when methods of alternative medicine are used for larger health issues, there can be major consequences. The most well known of these cases is the anti-vaccine movement.

Quiz Questions

1. What differentiates pseudoscience from actual science?

2. What are the differences between "little" and "big" pseudoscience?

3. Why would we use Magical thinking some types of magical thinking?

4. Who were two figures that mentored Loren Coleman?

5.  When did the anti-vaccine movement start?

6. Why do you think witchcraft has become so popular in today's world?

Discussion Questions

1. To what extreme do you think we can take magical thinking? Do you think people who don’t practice any type of magical thinking are negatively effected by it?

2. Since there has not been valid evidence proving the existence of Bigfoot — or any other cryptid — are we to make our search come to an end? Is it possible that we are looking in all of the wrong places? Or do you think these creatures simply don’t want to be found? 

3. US public schools will require students to get certain vaccines, but how far should the government go to force parents to vaccinate their kids? At a certain point, would it be unconstitutional?

4. How did one man die in Salem that was different than all others accused?