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  • 1Underwood International College, Yonsei University, Address: 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.

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This study argues Freudian psychoanalysis is not pseudoscience. Critiques by Popper and Glymour misunderstand psychoanalytic interpretation, thus Freudian psychoanalysis avoids Moberger's criteria for bullshit and pseudoscience.

Keywords:
BullshitFreudInference to the Best ExplanationPseudosciencePsychoanalysis

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Psychoanalytic Theory

Background:

  • Pseudoscience is often characterized as "bullshit with scientific pretensions."
  • Freudian psychoanalysis has faced critiques regarding its scientific validity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically examine Freudian psychoanalysis using Moberger's framework for identifying pseudoscience.
  • To address specific criticisms from Popper and Glymour concerning psychoanalytic interpretation and causality.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Moberger's criteria for bullshit, focusing on systematic fallacies.
  • Evaluation of Popper's critique on the flexibility of psychoanalytic interpretation.
  • Assessment of Glymour's critique on Freud's method of positing associations as causes.

Main Results:

  • The paper argues that criticisms by Popper and Glymour stem from misunderstandings.
  • Freudian psychoanalysis does not exhibit the alleged systematic fallacies.
  • Evidence suggests Freud was not a purveyor of "bullshit."

Conclusions:

  • Freudian psychoanalysis does not meet Moberger's criteria for bullshit or pseudoscience.
  • Psychoanalysis warrants a more equitable evaluation than it has historically received.