SCIENCE VERSUS PSEUDOSCIENCE

Professor R. Bruce Martin

Professor of Chemistry Emeritus

University of Virginia

  What does it matter if the average citizen can't tell astrology from astronomy, quacks from quarks, or seances from sciences? Pseudoscientists cloak themselves in the garb of science while defying logic and well-honed guides of evidence. Through a closer look at a variety of paranormal claims such as astrology, crystal power, UFOs, ESP, and health quackeries, one learns the costs to the individual and society of paranormal beliefs and gains a feel for scientific methods and standards. A critique of pseudosciences offers a rapid and entertaining route to scientific literacy.

With such provocative lines as "I have a unicorn in my backyard", Professor Martin savages numerous areas of pseudoscience including astrology, UFOs, crystal power, and the Bermuda Triangle. The talk was provocative, amusing, and enlightening. 

Sporting spoils of the FBI trip!

Possibly the first known horoscope

"Mystery is the wisdom of blockheads"

Horace Walpole

Documentary proof of the existence of a unicorn. A Washington Post article provided a photo of the beast under the headline "'Unicorn' Photographed in Shenandoah Park". The creature was described as "an ugly-looking mess, pretty mangy." There are similar thoughts about the reliability of the photo.