Ufology is a pseudoscience focused on extraterrestrial life.
That which is not original, but rather a copy or imitation, is usually classified as pseudo . This term is a compositional element that is added to another word, referring to the mentioned characteristic.
Science , for its part, is the set of methodologies, processes and techniques that, applied in a systematic and orderly manner, allow the production of objective knowledge that is susceptible to verification and validation.
A pseudoscience , therefore, is a discipline that presents itself as scientific or that imitates the forms of a science , although it is not recognized as such by the traditional scientific community.
Characteristics of a pseudoscience
Pseudosciences, in short, do not have the rigor of conventional sciences. Due to the characteristics of their object of study, they are not in a position to apply a scientific method that supports the production of new objective knowledge.
It can be said that pseudosciences develop knowledge that cannot be reliably verified . Its basis is the statements of supposed specialists and not the failed attempts at refutation that would demonstrate the relevance of the knowledge.
Some examples
Ufology is an example of pseudoscience. Its experts claim to have documentation and have carried out research that demonstrates the existence of extraterrestrial life. For officially and socially recognized scientists, whether astronomers, biologists or other professionals, there is still no irrefutable evidence of this.
Something similar occurs with cryptozoology , feng shui and numerology , among other pseudosciences whose statements do not withstand verification developed from the conventional scientific method.
There are those who claim that feng shui is presented as a pseudoscience.
Cryptozoology, a pseudoscience
Cryptozoology is a pseudoscience that is responsible for searching for animals of species that have not been cataloged by science or that should not be alive. These specimens are called cryptids , a word coined in the year 83 by John Wall. Among the types of animals that cryptozoology studies are those that should have been extinct (such as non-avian dinosaurs), the protagonists of certain mythological stories and legends , or eyewitness accounts (such as the Loch Ness Monster, the Chupacabras and Bigfoot) and those that are too far from their corresponding geographical area.
Despite its name, it is important to note that cryptozoology has no relationship with zoology , a discipline of biology that studies various species of animals, nor is it recognized by it as valid.
feng shui
Feng shui is a very ancient Chinese philosophical system that is based on awareness of the space we occupy. It belongs to shenminwenhua , an ancient knowledge that deals with mysterious topics, invisible to the eyes and secrets. Feng shui has its focus on the line that divides the world of the earthly (which is called ken kai ) and that of the sky (called yu kai ), differentiated from each other by being visible and invisible, material and ethereal, respectively.
Initially, feng shui was concerned with studying the changes that take place in the stars, climate and nature . This pseudoscience is based on the existence of chi (a vital breath), which is affected by temporal changes, cardinal points and the arrangement of space.
Numerology, the pseudoscience of numbers and divination
Numerology is a pseudoscience that uses numbers to practice divination. These are several traditions and beliefs that merged to study the supposed relationship that exists between spiritual forces, living beings and numbers.
The first mathematicians in history paid special attention to numerology, although today it is in no way related to mathematics. Its followers assure that numbers are one of the concepts created by people that are closest to perfection and they intend to use their power to obtain benefits.