Critical Theory of Pseudoscience

The application of Critical Theory to the concept of pseudoscience—examining how the boundary between science and pseudoscience is drawn, who draws it, and what interests it serves. Critical Theory of Pseudoscience asks: Who gets to decide what's pseudoscience? How has the label been used to dismiss legitimate knowledge (especially from marginalized groups)? What power relations shape the demarcation problem? It doesn't defend actual pseudoscience but insists that the boundary is never neutral—it's political. Understanding pseudoscience requires understanding the politics of labeling.

"They call it pseudoscience and move on. Critical Theory of Pseudoscience asks: says who? By what criteria? Who benefits from drawing the line here? The label has been used to dismiss indigenous knowledge, traditional medicine, women's ways of knowing. Critical theory doesn't defend fraud; it asks who gets to decide what counts as fraud—and what interests that serves."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 4, 2026

Critical Theory of Anti-Pseudoscience

The application of Critical Theory to movements against pseudoscience—examining how anti-pseudoscience activism can itself be shaped by power, how it can sometimes become dogmatic, and how it might serve domination despite good intentions. Critical Theory of Anti-Pseudoscience asks: Does debunking ever become debunkism? Does skepticism ever become closed-minded? Whose voices are amplified in anti-pseudoscience movements, whose silenced? How might anti-pseudoscience activism avoid becoming a new orthodoxy? It doesn't defend pseudoscience but insists that critique must also be self-critical—including critique of critique.

"He debunks everything that doesn't fit his worldview. Critical Theory of Anti-Pseudoscience asks: when does skepticism become dogma? When does debunking become debunkism? The anti-pseudoscience movement can be just as closed-minded as what it critiques. Critical theory insists that critique must include self-critique—including questioning your own certainties."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 4, 2026