Science or Pseudoscience?

Catalog description

Pseudoscience is any area of beliefs that sells itself as scientific but upon investigation is found to have little or no scientific evidence. Examples include areas such as alternative medicine, astrology and “creation science.” This course looks at the basis for how science works and how we distinguish between real science and pseudoscience. This course focuses on the scientific method and how it is used to test claims in any area, but exploration of psychological issues for why people believe strongly in things that are not supported by facts is also examined. Exploration of the difference between science and pseudoscience is done using some of the areas discussed above as well as topics such as organic and GMO foods, climate change and others. The application of the scientific method provides the basis to the evaluation of these fields. Finally, the history of pseudoscience is briefly explored as well as the role that the internet and social media plays in the propagation of pseudoscience. Prerequisite(s): ENG1021 or ENG1027 , any ILS 2000-level course, senior status. Offered at Providence 3 Semester Credits