CHARACTERISTICS OF PSEUDOSCIENTIFIC TEXTS
Journal Title: Записки з романо-германської філології - Year 2018, Vol 2, Issue
Abstract
The article deals with the exposure of examples of pseudoscientific discourse, as well as the investigation of its linguistic features (like use of weasel words, technical jargon and neuro-linguistic programming). Science is a complex concept. Everyday scientists explore phenomena that are beyond the understanding of the layman. Science is a set of methods designed for testing hypotheses and constructing theories. If the community of scientists actively accepts a new idea, which is distributed in different directions, is included in the study and provides useful knowledge, reflected in presentations/publications; if it opens up new areas of research, this is most likely a true science. It uses terms and hypotheses, the meaning of which can be understood only by a narrow circle of specialists. Consequently, an amateur is not able to assess the veracity or falsity of certain scientific theories. Pseudoscience, in its turn, abounds with science-like terms, complex and confusing system of reasoning/conclusions. In pseudoscience it is usual to find the appropriation of well-known scientific terms in a distorted form, and a discussion on objects or phenomena, the existence of which has not yet been proven. Science accepts challenges and tries to examine various theories. Pseudoscience, on the other hand, tends to perceive with hostility any challenge to its dogma. The problem lies in the distinction between science and pseudoscience. Many scientists admit that the boundaries between them are rather blurred. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to identify the characteristic features which are peculiar to such a phenomenon as pseudoscience.
Authors and Affiliations
А. Balatska
Keywords
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- EP ID EP625915
- DOI 10.18524/2307-4604.2018.2(41).146315
- Views 106
- Downloads 0
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