Homeopathy Is A Pseudoscience 1

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Homeopathy is a pseudoscience. Debate.

Homeopathy, created by German doctor Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), is a


medical approach founded on two fundamental principles. The initial law is the
law of similars, which states that similar things can cure each other. Homoeopaths
believe that a substance that produces symptoms of an illness in healthy
individuals can treat similar symptoms in those who are sick. The potentization
doctrine is the second one. During this procedure, the chosen substance is diluted
multiple times until the ultimate outcome is chemically identical to the diluting
agent. Homeopaths often believe that not even a single molecule of the original
substance will be present in the product. They may tap or shake the product
between each dilution, suggesting that this process helps the diluent retain memory
of the original substance in water. Memory of water goes against all our
knowledge in the field of physical chemistry. They believe thing get more potent
when you increase the concentration and not when you dilute it. If you want to
make your lemon juice sweeter, add sugar instead of adding more lemon. This
applies to everything in the natural world: the dosage is what counts.
Homeopathists have not been able to clarify why, in their scenario, this would go
against nature, nor have they proven this reverse dose effect.
Homeopathy is widely regarded as a pseudo-science by the scientific community
because of these reasons. Herbs, plants, minerals, venom from snakes, and other
substances can be used to make homeopathic remedies.

Pseudoscience and science are distinguished by several key characteristics; let's see
homeopathic based on science or pseudoscience.

Empirical Evidence

Science is based on evidence that can be observed and measured through


experiments and observations. Hypotheses in science can be experimented on and
confirmed.
Pseudoscience frequently lacks empirical evidence or depends on personal
experience. Claims may not be able to be tested or proven false.

There is no solid evidence to suggest that homeopathy is an effective remedy for


any medical issues. Some experts argue that homeopathy can also be used to
prevent malaria and other illnesses. There is no proof to back this claim, and there
is no plausible scientific explanation for how homeopathy could prevent diseases.

Language and Presentation

Science utilises specific, technical terms and is transparent about its restrictions
and doubts. The usual form of scientific communication is straightforward and
easy to understand.
Pseudoscience may rely on exaggerated language, difficult terms that are not easy
to understand, or emotional appeals to convince rather than educate.

Ordinary science uses logic and facts to try to understand something about the
world around us. Homeopathic uses the language and forms of ordinary science to
try to prove something that doesn’t logically follow from facts and logic.

Goal/Purpose

Science seeks to increase understanding and knowledge of the natural world,


typically concentrating on factual truths.
Pseudoscience may favour validating beliefs, personal benefits, or ideology over
objective investigation.

Homeopatic have scientific consensus and misleading claims that show ideology
over objective investigation.

Falsification

Science is defined by hypotheses that are able to be examined and possibly proven
false. A scientific statement needs to be able to be proven wrong through
observation or experiment in order to be considered valid.
Pseudoscience frequently depends on assertions that are untestable or unfalsifiable,
preventing it from being proven wrong.

Homeopathic practitioners always said this medicine will work 100%. Their claim
has a higher level than science, or in an area that science can’t understand, like the
supernatural realm.
Peer Review and Scrutiny

Science goes through a peer review process in which other professionals assess the
credibility and reliability of research before publication.
Pseudoscience frequently does not undergo this level of examination and might
depend on self-published materials or endorsements from nonexperts.

Homeopathic research is often published in non-mainstream journels.

Progress

Science progresses as time goes on, more and more is learnt.


Psuedoscience does not progress Nothing new is learnt as time passes. There are
only a series of trends.

Homeopathic is still on the same beliefs, “dilution potency theories” that are
impossible diluted remedies, and due to a lack of empirical evidence and unproven
principles, homeopathic does not progress.

Theoretical Framework

Science relies on existing theories and adapts with new evidence as it advances.
Scientific theories have strong evidence behind them and can be adjusted or
discarded depending on new discoveries.
Pseudoscience may depend on claims that cannot be proven false or on conspiracy
theories, and it typically does not accept new evidence that goes against its beliefs.

Due to unproven assumptions and inadequate research and testing, homeopathic


can not establish a theoretical framework.

Methodology

Science employs structured techniques such as controlled experiments, statistical


analysis, and meticulous observation.
Pseudoscience can use unclear or disorganised methods, frequently without strict
criteria for collecting and analysing data.
Homeopathic is a lack of systematic approach and use of subjective symptoms,
resulting in insufficient methodology.

Openness to Criticism

Science promotes doubt and is open to feedback. Scientists are receptive to fresh
concepts and ready to adjust their beliefs in light of new evidence.
Pseudoscience frequently ignores or uses emotions instead of logic to counter
criticism. It could lead to a mindset of "believers versus skeptics."

Homeopathy is not open to criticism due to lack of scientific evidence, and its
practitioners often use contradictory arguments to defend it, but clinical trials have
shown that homeopathy is ineffective and has no objective effect beyond a
placebo.

Conclusion
By applying these criteria, As we have seen that all characteristics of science do
not match homoeopathy, proving that science is a pseudoscience. Some people
who use homeopathy may see an improvement in their health condition as the
result of a placebo effect. The placebo effect occurs when an individual's physical
or mental well-being seems to get better following the administration of a placebo
or inert treatment. Placebo meaning 'I will please', is a treatment that looks genuine
but has no actual medical benefits. Placebos may impact certain results like pain
and nausea, but typically do not produce significant clinical benefits.

Sources
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/placebo-
effect
https://physics.weber.edu/carroll/honors/pseudoscience.htm
https://ceee.colorado.edu/sites/default/files/2019-07/
Jadin_Pseudoscience_Full_Lesson.pdf

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