The 8 Axes of the Pseudotechnology Spectrum

A framework for evaluating pseudotechnology along eight key dimensions. The 8 axes are: 1) Working Prototype (whether it actually works), 2) Scientific Basis (whether it's grounded in established science), 3) Peer Review (whether it's been evaluated by experts), 4) Replicability (whether others can reproduce it), 5) Scalability (whether it can work at scale), 6) Economic Viability (whether it could be affordable), 7) Mechanism (whether we understand how it works), and 8) Track Record (whether it has any history of success). These axes allow for distinguishing between promising technology and pseudotechnology.

The 8 Axes of the Pseudotechnology Spectrum Example: "The 'free energy' device scored zero on every axis: no prototype, no science, no review, no replication, no mechanism. The 8 axes made the evaluation systematic, not just dismissive. Investors who used the spectrum saved their money; those who didn't lost it."

by Dumu The Void March 7, 2026

The 16 Axes of the Pseudotechnology Spectrum

An expanded framework adding eight dimensions for more nuanced pseudotechnology evaluation. The additional axes include: 9) Transparency (whether details are openly shared), 10) Extraordinary Evidence (whether extraordinary claims have extraordinary evidence), 11) Proponent Credibility (whether proponents have a track record), 12) Adoption (whether anyone else uses it), 13) Regulatory Approval (whether it's passed any oversight), 14) Safety Testing (whether it's been tested for harm), 15) Environmental Impact (what its effects would be), and 16) Long-term Viability (whether it could be sustained). The 16 axes provide comprehensive pseudotechnology analysis for high-stakes evaluation.

The 16 Axes of the Pseudotechnology Spectrum Example: "The medical device looked promising until mapped on the 16 axes. It had a prototype (axis 1), but no peer review (3), no regulatory approval (13), no safety testing (14). The axes showed why it wasn't ready—and why calling it 'pseudotechnology' was less useful than showing where it fell on the spectrum."

by Dumu The Void March 7, 2026