A specific form of scientific ableism that invokes “evidence” to justify prejudice, discrimination, or pathologization of non‑scientific beliefs. Proponents claim that because certain practices (e.g., traditional medicine, spiritual healing) lack peer‑reviewed evidence, those who believe in them are “irrational,” “unscientific,” or “mentally deficient.” The ableism lies in equating “lack of scientific evidence” with “mental defect,” ignoring that people may hold multiple knowledge systems simultaneously and that evidence standards vary across contexts. Evidence‑based ableism uses the rhetoric of empiricism to launder prejudice.
Evidence-Based Ableism Example: “He argued that indigenous healers should be dismissed as ‘evidence‑deniers’—Evidence‑Based Ableism, using the lack of RCTs to justify dismissing entire traditions as cognitively flawed.”
by Dumu The Void March 25, 2026
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