Those who ascribe to the profit-driven world of big-science book-learning might suggest that ...Pseudoscience is the appropriation and distortion of scientific terminology to validate a claim or assertion.

Pseudoscience is also this:

Gold is a superconductor, and as such it improves the transmission of electrical signals. Cells communicate via electricity. Knowing this, conclude that nanoparticles improve communication between nerve cells of the nervous system, and a more effective flow of electricity can alleviate stress and anxiety.

Renee, why would anyone use pseudoscience?

The answer is simple. They usually want to sell you something.

The 'something' can take the form of a physical thing or an idea.

They probably know that it doesn't do what they claim it does, or they have been conditioned to believe it based on anecdotal evidence because they've heard someone tell them 'it's been proven to work'.

Critical thinking is hard, but its rewards are endless.

Pseudoscience is easy to accept.

Meanwhile, science tries to explain things that are not obvious (if they were obvious, we wouldn't really need a scientific explanation for them). This makes science seem impossible and unreachable.

It takes a lot of work to develop an understanding of chemistry or biology, and it is not that easy to understand:

Gold has a high vibrational frequency, thus it is able to increase the vibration of the organism that consumes it.

Read the quote above one more time and see if you can make sense of it. What does any of that mean? It sounds 'sciencey', though, doesn't it? You'd be stupid not to want to increase your vibrations! Except it's made up.

It's a metaphysical doctrine. A belief without any basis in reality.

...but like, Renee, I know that there are vibrations in sound waves, and light and electricity and stuff.

You are right! Those are vibrations. And this is where the appropriation of scientific principles comes in.

because vibrations don't work that way!

Pseudoscientists will tell you things like "These magnets break up the water molecule clusters for better bioavailability" in hope that those big words could give you an impression that they both knowledgeable and scientifically accurate.

They use scientific language to distort and confuse in hopes that you simply accept them for sounding smart and buy whatever it is they are selling!

"This is a game, this is an export to people who don't know much science and don't know how science is done" Sam Harris

So you are, like, figuring out what SCIENCE is? OMG, you need an advanced degree to do that!

No, you don't... It's pretty easy! There are a few things to look for to spot a pseudoscientist looking to make a sale! Here are a couple of examples and questions to ask when you are presenting with wild claims that appear to good to be true (or any other claim for that matter!)

Its use as a "nervine" or therapy for nervous disorders was recorded by ancient Chinese and Indian alchemists

1) Does the pseudoscientist tell you that his cure is based on ancient wisdom or technology?

This old trick! He's attempting to fool you into thinking that whatever he's selling has been around since the dawn of time, and because of that it must be effective and have merit. This argument is a logical fallacy called "Appeal to Ancient Wisdom". The more recent the evidence, the higher the probability that it is accurate.

2) Who is reporting on the wondrous benefits of this product?

If you Google it, what comes up? Are the first search results from businesses that are profiting off this product? Do you find any worldwide news source or institution that doesn't have the product in its name promoting it?
Let's check.

Hmm... no peer reviewed articles? Oh, some scholar results came up, but if you follow them, you find that gold is very useful in medical imaging.

So it appears that it's just businesses trying to sell you the product! That makes me suspicious!

3) Does the pseudoscientist use words 'energy' and 'vibrations' when referring to anything except a sex dildo?

Gold has been known to possess a warm energy that brings soothing vibrations to the body to aid in the healing process

These words are completely meaningless.

They are made up and have no scientific basis. We are wandering deep into pseudoscience territory!

4) Does the pseudoscientist use words like 'big pharma', and 'western medicine' and make claims that their product/belief system is being suppressed by a Big Bad when they are questioned?

Pharmaceutical experiments are funded by the pharmaceutical companies to yield results the pharmaceutical companies want to see, and then doctors are bribed to prescribe them. That is not real science.

5) Does the pseudoscientist use anecdotal evidence or research from sources that have an obvious interest in the outcome?

Example, from a member of their group or company, their own blog, a newsletter with connections to 'natural and alternative healing modalities', or marketing copy from a business selling the same product.

We have extensive scientific and historical research as well as first-hand experiences to validate our claims. This is yet another testimonial to the effectiveness of the healing options we offer.

ORLY?

Your discrediting tactic does not stand up to the evidence we have collected.

They may eventually present you with some of their evidence, but make sure to check it's source, robusticity, and inherent bias.

Scientific research is still emerging regarding the incredible healing properties of gold nanoparticles and the mechanisms by which it functions, but [gold has been proven safe and effective throughout history.]( http://www.meridianinstitute.com/ceu/ceu25gol.html)

The link above takes the reader to an 'institute' dedicated to "researching the spirit-mind-body connection". The study it quotes is rife with phrases like " One small recent study demonstrated a possible positive effect of gold on cognitive ability." and "little is known about its physiological effects".

Pseudoscience works from a positive hypothesis and will say or do anything to support that hypothesis. Shoddy research and anecdotal evidence are the two main tools they will use to fool you. If their sources seem biased, it's probably because they are.

They are feeling uncomfortable because the burden of proof is on them! The more unreasonable the claim the greater the need for proof. However, they simply don't have any, so they will be desperate to invent or distract. Watch out! Eventually they will flip it and demand that YOU PROVE IT DOESN'T WORK!

7) If pressed pseudoscientists will demand you bring evidence that what they are selling doesn't work. They will also begin mudslinging.

Please provide any real evidence that this colloidal gold is harmful to people, and please show what evidence you have to negate the hundreds, if not thousands, of unsolicited testimonials.

You still have not provided any evidence beyond biased opinion that shows this is harmful, yet we continue to witness and accrue real life, first hand testimonials. Provide a better option if you have one.

You're hating on us for "making erroneous claims", and passing judgment without providing any substantiating evidence that this colloidal gold causes harm.

Again, there's nothing to be done for someone caught in cognitive dissonance. If you want to cling to your worldview in light of evidence to the contrary including first hand testimonials, that's your prerogative! Your mind is set and you're welcome to those opinions, but it is improper to allege "abuse" because someone has challenged your beliefs.

They will also call you narrow-minded and clouded by your own bias for wanting proof that their product works. How dare you not believe what they are telling you!

It seems your mind is already set and that you are not interested in considering challenges to your opinion. Given that you are quick to call this "abuse" and exercise what power you can for censorship, plus you are clinging to the "quackery" label (perhaps because it is clearly not endorsed by Big Pharma?). Nonetheless, here is some research.

They may tell you that you don't have an advanced degree so that you can't possibly understand the science well enough to disprove them and their 'research'.

So, Renee Nouveau has an advanced degree in chemistry and biophysics, right? because she, obviously downvoted that person as a result of her opinion based on appeal to authority, a classic logical fallacy. bring on the accountability, my logic is sound.

Now, I can’t comment on this because they are calling me out so I went to a Relevant Authority in logical fallacies and here’s what they have to say! “They misunderstand the meaning of appeal to authority fallacy. This fallacy actually means appeal to IRRELEVANT authority. When you refer to credible scientific sources/research (the best ones are peer reviewed or meta-analysis) or experts in the specific scientific field, it is not an appeal to authority. That's because you refer to RELEVANT authority. For example when you talk about quantum physics but you refer to Deepak Chopra, dentist or plumber, then this is an appeal to irrelevant authority fallacy” Fascinating!

8) When backed into a corner they will admit that it doesn't matter if it works, because they help people (bonus points if it's sick children ;( This is an appeal to emotion, to override your reason. Why, you are a bad person if you want children to stay sick!

If this is indeed pseudoscience, then it is healthy pseudoscience. You can't say the same for the many sickly victims of pharmaceuticals or prescription drugs.
This is proven less side effects given to any child in any hospital.

Again with the sick children!

This kid is sick of your shit

Sounds like circular reasoning fallacy to me! My medication is curing> How do you know that? > Because it cures people according to me

….and that you can buy it for $66 on their website!

So, now you've had an introduction to what pseudoscience looks like in action.

It seems like a lot of work.... this thinking about things and weighing all this evidence.

It can be. But if we want to live in a just, rational world it's a vital skill! Critical thinking and the independent judgment of the validity of ideas and claims is vital to anyone who considers themselves self-governing.

BONUS ROUND!

If you aren't sick of this metaphysical bullshit yet, watch Deepak Chopra muddle through quantum physics and check out Sam Harris ripping Deepak Chopra a new chakra. It gets good at around 7 minutes!

Sources:
@steemsmart/no-such-thing-as-abusive-downvoting-steem-smart-podcast-ep-9d

@gardenofeden/depression-sucks-but-help-is-available-this-is-the-most-holistic-remedy-we-have-found