今天与一治学非常严谨、成果颇为丰富的老师聊天，话题中有一个很刺耳的术语：伪科学。
他总是谦虚地说他现在的研究是伪科学，不值一提。
谦虚归谦虚，但是在我听来，触动很大。
如果说他所从事的（翻译学）研究是伪科学，那么，人文科学中有多少“伪科学”成分？
这个话题，一下子无法展开，太多东西可以说了。

今天暂且简单记录一下。

顺便自问：“伪科学”这一术语，该如何英译？英语世界中的伪科学又是如何定义的？
网上查了一下，伪科学对应的英语翻译有：Pseudo-science，False science，Bad Science诸如此类，不一而足。

第一个翻译中用到的pseudo-，该词缀出现频率颇高的，如 pseudotitles, pseudo siblings，pseudo celebrities, pseudo events...

再来看网上对pseudo science的介绍：
Pseudoscience is a claim, belief, or practice which is presented as scientific, but does not adhere to a valid scientific method, lacks supporting evidence or plausibility, cannot be reliably tested, or otherwise lacks scientific status. Pseudoscience is often characterized by the use of vague, exaggerated or unprovable claims, an over-reliance on confirmation rather than rigorous attempts at refutation, a lack of openness to evaluation by other experts, and a general absence of systematic processes to rationally develop theories.

A field, practice, or body of knowledge can reasonably be called pseudoscientific when it is presented as consistent with the norms of scientific research, but it demonstrably fails to meet these norms. Science is also distinguishable from revelation, theology, or spirituality in that it offers insight into the physical world obtained by empirical research and testing. Commonly held beliefs in popular science may not meet the criteria of science."Pop" science may blur the divide between science and pseudoscience among the general public, and may also involve science fiction. Pseudoscientific beliefs are widespread, even among public school science teachers and newspaper reporters.

The demarcation problem between science and pseudoscience has ethical political implications, as well as philosophical and scientific issues. Differentiating science from pseudoscience has practical implications in the case of health care, expert testimony, environmental policies, and science education.Distinguishing scientific facts and theories from pseudoscientific beliefs such as those found in astrology, medical quackery, and occult beliefs combined with scientific concepts, is part of science education and scientific literacy.

The term "pseudoscience" is often considered inherently pejorative, because it suggests something is being inaccurately or even deceptively portrayed as science.Accordingly, those labeled as practicing or advocating pseudoscience normally dispute the characterization.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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