Parascientific Method

A rigid, ritualized procedure that copies the steps of the scientific method (hypothesis, observation, conclusion) while corrupting its spirit. The "experiments" are designed to confirm, not test; data is cherry-picked; and contradictory results are explained away by ad hoc excuses. It's a cargo-cult version of research.

Example: A "study" by a supplement company that "proves" their pill boosts IQ. They use a small, self-selected group, vague metrics, and no control, but present it with p-values and a "Materials & Methods" section. They've followed the parascientific method: the form of science as a marketing ritual.

Parascientific Method by Dumu The Void February 9, 2026

Parascientific Paradigms

The grand, overarching theoretical frameworks within parasciences that are unfalsifiable by design. Like Thomas Kuhn's scientific paradigms, they dictate what questions are valid and what counts as evidence, but they are immune to revolution by empirical anomaly because anomalies are defined away as part of a conspiracy or as "not yet understood" within the paradigm.

Parascientific Paradigms Example: The "Ancient Astronaut" paradigm. Any archaeological mystery is evidence for the theory (aliens built the pyramids). The absence of evidence is also evidence (the cover-up). Any scientific debunking is framed as close-mindedness. This parascientific paradigm is a totalizing belief system that consumes all data, positive or negative, as fuel.

Parascientific Paradigms by Dumu The Void February 9, 2026