Om vitenskap og pseudovitenskap

Temamøte i regi av MN-klassen, Edzard Ernst (Exeter University): How to identify a pseudoscientist

Sven Ove Hansson (KTH, Stockholm): Science vs. pseudoscience - can we tell the difference?

Minnetale over Kristian Smidt v/Bjørn Tysdahl

Minnetale over Sven Cyvin v/Peter Klæboe

How to identify a pseudoscientist
Professor Emeritus Edzard Ernst, University of Exeter, UK,
Webpage: http://edzardernst.com/about/edzard-ernst/

If we define pseudoscientists (PSs) as individuals who engage in a theory, methodology, or practice that is considered to be without scientific foundation, we instantly realise that alternative medicine must be plagued by an abundance of PSs. After researching various areas of alternative medicine for more than two decades, I feel that I have developed adequate skills for identifying PSs in my area. PSs tend to work on the least plausible theories and treatments, employ the tools of science not for testing but for proving their bizarre ideas, use fallacious arguments, never systematically investigate the risks of their therapies, cherry-pick the evidence that supports their beliefs, and swiftly resort to 'ad hominem' attacks when challenged about the validity of their concepts. Knowing their fairly simple tactics can be helpful in identifying PSs which, in turn, might allow us to minimise the harm their pseudoscience is capable of causing.

Science vs. pseudoscience - can we tell the difference?
Professor and Head of Department  Sven Ove Hansson, Department of Philosophy and History, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
Webpage: http://home.abe.kth.se/~soh/

Distinguishing between science and pseudoscience is like riding a bicycle. Most of us can ride a bicycle but only few can explain how we do it. Scientists seldom find it difficult to distinguish between science and pseudoscience, but most of them cannot explain the basic principles behind the distinction. In this presentation it is shown how basic criteria of scientific quality can be operationalized and brought to bear on concrete issues of demarcation. Topics that will be discussed include the relation between scientific and non-scientific knowledge, the interdependence between the different branches of science and humanities, and the use of experiments for practical action guidance.