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 EduZenith article brings you a list of good and different pseudoscience topics.
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.
It is believed that the position of the stars and planets can influence people’s lives.
It is believed that there exists a relationship between our birth dates and us, or any events related to us.
It is said that crystal gemstones have certain healing properties like getting over a trauma or relationship, bringing happiness, success, and wealth, etc.
It is Chinese method that believes happiness and prosperity can be gained by arranging objects and home in a certain way and proper directions.
It is a belief that says that a person’s personality can be known by his/her handwriting or signature.
Both, which have been around for centuries now, evaluate your personality and future based on the readings of cards and your palm.
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.
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.
It is believed that human behavior is affected and influenced by the Full Moon.
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.
A rock formation on Mars that resembles a ‘face’ is believed to be an evidence of life on Mars.
The theories claim that original moon landing by Apollo was hoaxed and fake. The pseudo-scientists have tried proving it by using faulty science.
It is a prediction made by Nancy Lieder that stated that a mythological planet, Nibiru, would collide with Earth in the year 2012.
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 |
So, these were some topics for pseudoscience. It is completely up to you to believe any theory or not. Pick any one you like, or if you know any other than these, please feel free to add them in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and is not meant to offend or hurt anyone’s sentiments. EduZenith does not promote or criticize any theory or belief in any way whatsoever.