Pseudoscience Essay

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SKVKAY001; KAY SKOVGAARD-PETERSEN

BUS1036F, 2014; MODULE 5 WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT

The name ‘pseudoscience’ perfectly sums up what this particular branch of science is about. ‘Pseudo’, meaning false, highlights the fact that pseudoscience is nothing more than a series of claims and beliefs fortified by strong confirmation biases that are presented as science. These claims and beliefs lack evidence and do not follow the correct scientific method (e.g.; double blind-fold).

Living in the age of attention economics and information overload, we expect instant and reliable gratification and this has lead to us becoming lazy, easily influenced and susceptible to multiple fallacies. It is because of two main fallacies, confirmation bias and appeal to authority, that we become a part of the pseudoscientific market. The best examples of this can be seen in the rapid increase in popularity surrounding Power Balance bands a few years ago and the great interest we have in astrology. 2009/2010 saw an Australian company release hologram bracelets that were meant to increase sporting ability, power a...

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