Parapsychology is a pseudoscience since it is not compatible with the scientific method.
Before proceeding to determine the meaning of the term pseudo , it is necessary that, first of all, we know the etymological origin of that word. Specifically, it derives from the Greek, exactly from “pseudo”, which is synonymous with false.
Pseudo , which can also be mentioned as pseudo , is part of the compositional elements of our language .
In this way, pseudo is added to other concepts to clarify that the notion does not refer to what is true or original , but rather is linked to a deception or a copy .
A pseudoscience
Let's look at an example. While science is the set of methodologies and techniques that allow objective knowledge to be produced, pseudoscience is a discipline that imitates science but lacks its rigor and the procedures endorsed by the scientific community.
A pseudoscientist , therefore, is an individual who presents himself as an expert in a subject that cannot be supported by scientific evidence. It is likely, in any case, that the subject in question claims that his discipline (which could be astrology, ufology or numerology, to name a few possibilities) is a true science and that there are methods to demonstrate the validity of his knowledge.
Reiki is a pseudotherapy that aims to heal through the laying on of hands.
Other examples
Nowadays there are many words that we use in any field and that include the term pseudo as if it were a prefix. So, for example, we find the following:
– Pseudohistory . This is a word that is used in a clearly pejorative way to identify a series of documents, treaties or hypotheses that are presented under the umbrella of the adjective historical but that, in reality, cannot be defined as such because they are completely removed from what are historical methods or even sources of that type.
– Pseudocode . It is used to refer to a type of “false language” that is part of computing and that refers to a description that is made of the basic pillar of any software.
– Pseudosinger . Clearly derogatory is this word that is used to pejoratively define certain artists who make their living as singers, but who are considered to not really have that professional category because they do not have a good voice, they are out of tune...
pseudomedicine
Many times what is mentioned as pseudo is defined in opposition to what is conventionally accepted . Pseudomedicine , in this sense, covers therapies and treatments that, for various reasons, are not recognized or accepted by medicine , whose professionals have the endorsement of a title granted by the State or by an official entity.
Anyone who claims to cure physical illnesses through the power of the word or the laying on of hands is a pseudo-doctor and can be punished for the illegal practice of medicine .
A type of bacillus
Within the scientific field, finally, there is a word that includes the word pseudo in its formation. We are referring to pseudomonas, which is used to identify a type of bacilli.
These bacilli do not form spores, they can produce certain types of siderophores and present a great variety at the metabolic level.