Science Against Oppression and Pseudoscientific Dogma

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• Critical Theory
• Epistemology

Background:

• Postcolonial scholars critique scientific universalism and its historical dominance over non-Western knowledge systems.
• The concept of 'epistemicide' describes the suppression of diverse epistemologies under a singular scientific worldview.
• Some movements challenge science's legitimacy, advocating for epistemic relativism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze pseudoscience as a tool of social oppression.
• To differentiate between rigorous scientific practice and pseudoscientific distortions.
• To advocate for a strengthened, inclusive, and critically reflexive model of science.

Main Methods:

• Integration of philosophy of science.
• Application of critical theory.
• Historical analyses of scientific and pseudoscientific practices.

Main Results:

• Pseudoscience, defined as mimicking science without rigor, serves as a potent tool for social oppression.
• Examples like eugenics, phrenology, and climate change denial illustrate how pseudoscience reinforces structural inequalities (sexism, racism).
• Critiques of universalism risk conflating science with its abuses, neglecting the distinction between valid science and pseudoscience.

Conclusions:

• Abandoning science is not the solution to critiques of its historical abuses.
• Strengthening science methodologically, ethically, and inclusively is essential.
• Clarifying science's boundaries and exposing pseudoscience's role in oppression advances epistemic justice and promotes socially transformative science.