In short: Whether something is 'science' depends on its processes and underlying philosophies, and not on its superficial appearances. Hence, stuff can sometimes appear 'scientific' when it is actually not scientific at all...AND SIMILARLY, stuff can sometimes appear 'unscientific' or silly, when it is actually perfectly scientific and reasonable.
20. Ways of knowing
Authority
Rationalism
Intuition, etc.
Science
21. “Science” (blah, blah, blah)
“any system of knowledge that is concerned with the physical
world and its phenomena and that entails unbiased
observations and systematic experimentation”
(Encyclopaedia Britannica)
“1. the systematic observation of natural events and
conditions in order to discover facts about them and to
formulate laws and principles based on these facts. 2. the
organized body of knowledge that is derived from such
observations and that can be verified or tested by further
investigation” (Academic Press Dictionary of Science & Technology)
“The real purpose of the scientific method is to make sure
Nature hasn't misled you into thinking you know something
you don't actually know.”
(Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance)
22. PS409
Psychology, Science,
& Pseudoscience
Dr Brian Hughes
School of Psychology
brian.hughes@nuigalway.ie @b_m_hughes