Uploaded August 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Support the show: patreon.com/pmsutter
Full podcast episodes: askaspaceman.com
In this episode of #AskASpaceman, I dig into the nature of pseudoscience versus science. I will discuss what characterizes #science from the outside, like jargon, technical gadgets, and advanced mathematics. These are the qualities that pseudoscience shares, but crucially pseudoscience misses the important core of science: the openness, the rigor, the rationality, the skepticism, the connectedness, and the openness that are the trademarks of scientific investigation.
I show how common beliefs like UFO hunting, homeopathy, astrology, ghost hunting, ancient aliens, and more are all examples of pseudoscience.
Finally, I give some practical tips for navigating the world of pseudoscientific beliefs and how to respond to proponents of those beliefs.
Follow all the show updates at http://www.askaspaceman.com, and help support the show at patreon.com/pmsutter!
Keep those questions about space, science, astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology coming to #AskASpaceman for COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF TIME AND SPACE!
00:00 Introduction
03:01 Pseudoscience as "False Science"
07:20 The Skin vs the Soul of Science
16:22 Examples of Pseudoscience
25:53 How to Spot Pseudoscience in the Wild
Support the show: patreon.com/pmsutter
Full podcast episodes: askaspaceman.com
In this episode of #AskASpaceman, I dig into the nature of pseudoscience versus science. I will discuss what characterizes #science from the outside, like jargon, technical gadgets, and advanced mathematics. These are the qualities that pseudoscience shares, but crucially pseudoscience misses the important core of science: the openness, the rigor, the rationality, the skepticism, the connectedness, and the openness that are the trademarks of scientific investigation.
I show how common beliefs like UFO hunting, homeopathy, astrology, ghost hunting, ancient aliens, and more are all examples of pseudoscience.
Finally, I give some practical tips for navigating the world of pseudoscientific beliefs and how to respond to proponents of those beliefs.
Follow all the show updates at http://www.askaspaceman.com, and help support the show at patreon.com/pmsutter!
Keep those questions about space, science, astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology coming to #AskASpaceman for COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF TIME AND SPACE!
00:00 Introduction
03:01 Pseudoscience as "False Science"
07:20 The Skin vs the Soul of Science
16:22 Examples of Pseudoscience
25:53 How to Spot Pseudoscience in the Wild
