list of good pseudoscience topics
List of Good Pseudoscience Topics
Pseudoscience is a belief or practice that has no concrete scientific evidence or valid backing. It disguises as science in order to prove its validity. Thinking of a topic on pseudoscience, but can't make up your mind? This Buzzle article brings you a list of good and different pseudoscience topics.
"When even the brightest mind in our world has been trained up from childhood in a superstition of any kind, it will never be possible for that mind, in its maturity, to examine sincerely, dispassionately, and conscientiously any evidence or any circumstance which shall seem to cast a doubt upon the validity of that superstition. I doubt if I could do it myself."
All of us have an amazing ability to believe and accept concepts and beliefs that are science-like, but they aren't actually true. We hear it from some people, see it on TV or movies, or learn some facts from our textbooks. This is where pseudoscience makes an entry.
Pseudoscience is a practice or theory that is presented as scientific theory, but has no real backing or valid evidence. Based on this, many false theories and beliefs have been derived implying that people's perceptions are real, and not the observations and experiments. For instance, the Lunar effect, which says that the human behavior is influenced by the full moon, or that the pyramids in Egypt were the creation of extraterrestrials (aliens). In real science, a lot of experimentation and scientific methods are used to conclude a concept.
Below is a list of topics and examples of pseudoscience that you should check out.
― Mark Twain
Examples of Pseudoscience
In Astrology
If you ask 10 people about the rightness of astrology, you will get 10 different answers from them. Theories and opinions are formed on personal beliefs and experiences. The best way to know the answer is to decide for yourself based on your experiences.
► Sun Signs
It is believed that the position of the stars and planets can influence people's lives.
► Numerology
It is believed that there exists a relationship between our birth dates and us, or any events related to us.
► Crystal Healing
It is said that crystal gemstones have certain healing properties like getting over a trauma or relationship, bringing happiness, success, and wealth, etc.
► Feng Shui
It is Chinese method that believes happiness and prosperity can be gained by arranging objects and home in a certain way and proper directions.
► Handwriting or Signature Analysis
It is a belief that says that a person's personality can be known by his/her handwriting or signature.
► Tarot Cards and Palmistry
Both, which have been around for centuries now, evaluate your personality and future based on the readings of cards and your palm.
In Astronomy and Space Sciences
Different theories and beliefs have been developed by different pseudo-scientists over the years.
► 2012 Phenomenon
It was a belief according which certain apocalyptic and doomsday events like 'pole shift', 'solar storm', or 'galactic alignment' were to occur in 2012 that would result in the end of the world.
► Ancient Astronauts
It was a proposal by Erich von Däniken in 1968 that the Earth was visited by ancient astronauts in the past who claimed to have started the human civilization or helped the ancient cultures for technological growth.
► Lunar Effect
It is believed that human behavior is affected and influenced by the Full Moon.
► Crop Circles
Termed as 'cerealogy', crop circles are geometric designs created by flattening of the crop. They are thought to be the work of UFOs that land at night or other meteorological phenomena.
► Face on Mars
A rock formation on Mars that resembles a 'face' is believed to be an evidence of life on Mars.
► Moon Landing Conspiracy
The theories claim that original moon landing by Apollo was hoaxed and fake. The pseudo-scientists have tried proving it by using faulty science.
► Nibiru Cataclysm
It is a prediction made by Nancy Lieder that stated that a mythological planet, Nibiru, would collide with Earth in the year 2012.
► Worlds in Collision
In his book Worlds in Collision, Immanuel Velikovsky proposed that ancient texts and evidences show that mankind would witness disastrous collisions of other planets in our solar system.
In Earth Sciences
► The Bermuda Triangle
It is an area near Florida where unusual events have occurred like disappearing of ships and airplanes. It is perceived that it is due to paranormal activities, unusual natural phenomena, or extraterrestrial abductions.
► Flat Earth Society
It is believed that the Earth is flat and disc-shaped, and that it accelerates upwards, giving a pretense of gravity.
► 366 Geometry or Megalithic Geometry
It says that a circle should be divided into 366 degrees, and is still being used by Freemasonry.
► Hollow Earth
It is proposed that the Earth is either completely hollow or consists of hollow parts beneath the crust.
► Mythical Creatures
It is believed that mythical creatures like fairies, gnomes, elves, and pixies exist even today.
In Physics
► Torsion Field
It is a theory that says that there are some new kinds of fields that travel much faster than light.
► Perpetual Motion
It is a class of motion that violates the second law of Thermodynamics. Free energy is an example of perpetual motion that disregards the first law of thermodynamics as well as law of conservation of energy. There has been no concrete proof till date.
► Electrogravitics
It is based on the theories of Thomas Townsend Brown that an electrical charge applied to a mass can produce anti-gravity effect.
► Autodynamics
It was an alternative theory to special relativity that was proposed by Ricardo Carezani. It failed to make accurate predictions.
In Psychology
► Hypnosis
It is a state of deep relaxation where a person is unusually open and responsive to commands of the hypnotist.
► Phrenology
It is a theory that claims to determine characteristics and personality traits from the shape of the head (bumps on the skull).
► Parapsychology
It is a controversial theory that looks to investigate the causes and existence of psychic abilities and the concept of life after death with the help of science.
► Polygraphy or Lie Detectors
It is an interrogation method that is used to detect a lie using physiological responses of pulse, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity of the person being interrogated. It is believed that the responses will differentiate the deceptive answers from those of non-deceptive answers.
► Conversion Therapy
It is a therapy that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation.
► Primal Therapy
It is a belief that prenatal experiences and those during birth trauma influences people's lives.
In Healthcare
► Homeopathy
It is a medical practice that works by giving diluted solute to patients.
► Magnetic Therapy
It is the use of magnetic fields for improving one's health in a positive way.
► Brain Gym
It is a training program that claims to overcome any learning challenges by certain movements.
► Alternative Medicine
It is a method that uses the treatments that have not been proven effective using science.
► Crystal Healing
It uses crystal gemstones to heal one's health and mental state by bringing happiness and prosperity.
► Radionics
It is a method of medical diagnosis and therapy that uses various frequencies to cure health problems.
► Faith Healing
It is an act of curing any health issues by prayers and other faith-related processes.
Some More Pseudoscience Topics
Speaking to the Dead
Graphology
Attachment Therapy
Earthquake Predictions
Near-death Experiences
Out-of-body Experiences
Reincarnation
Cryptozoology
Psychoanalysis
Colon Cleansing
Brainwashing
Bogdanov Affair
Ufology
Dogon People and Sirius B
Lysenkoism