Does the notion of pseudo-science kill invention? https://www.quora.com/Does-the-notion-of-pseudo-science-kill-invention
Because I find the study of many topics categorized as “pseudoscience” quite fascinating, I have taken the time to answer this question.
People often imply that you are only intelligent if you believe in true science, and often make remarks that only an idiot would read a book classified as pseudoscience.
In high school by reading about ideas that people call pseudoscience, I learned science. I read all the Chariots of the Gods books, the books on Project Blue Book and UFOs, and whatever else I could find on what I collectively called strange science.
In the late 1970s I had a radio show where I discussed Project Blue Book and UFOs, people would often make remarks like, “do really believe that crap?”
As I explained over the years, I can believe in the possibility of many ideas outside the realm of “conventional wisdom” without having to join the cult of a madman. I can believe there is the possibility of life on other planets without believing the information on the UFO websites telling me how aliens from other planets live among us.
No, I do not believe the notion of pseudoscience kills invention. I will even go so far to say that if many of the people who like the “free energy devices” described in the attached video take the time to separate the science from the conspiracy theories, it would inspire real invention, not kill it!
I have seem some very slick and professional presentations of scams and pseudoscience that have really stimulated thought, and got me looking at things if different ways.
Sadly, this question takes the words of a great scientist like Humphry Davy and uses them to promote a video that looks like something from the X-Files. I didn't watch the entire 52 minutes of the video to answer this question. Between laughing at the Nikola Tesla t-shirt being worn by one of the panelists, and being bombarded by random buzzwords, it is difficult to get beyond the first few minutes of the video.
http://questy.com/content/weird-science-behind-conspiracy-theories-and-urban-legends
What would you do against pseudoscience?
A2A, What would you do against pseudoscience? Same person asked similar question: https://www.quora.com/Does-the-notion-of-pseudo-science-kill-invention/answer/Tom-Peracchio
Generally speaking, I would not do anything against a pseudoscience. As I explained in the other answer to the question above, I would first try to understand it, and use it to provoke thought.
The Guru 42 Universe is not run by a university professor with a team of editors and advisers working to developing a website. Tom Peracchio is simply someone who loves technology and history and is amazed by how little people know about the great minds in the world of technology.
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