Parascience

Parascience refers to the study of phenomena that are considered beyond the scope of traditional or mainstream science because they cannot be explained or tested by accepted scientific theories and methods. This can include topics like telepathy, UFOs, and other paranormal claims, often overlapping with or being criticized as pseudoscience. It may also describe non-mainstream or subsidiary scientific work.

Characteristics of parascience

• Unexplained phenomena: It investigates subjects that challenge conventional scientific understanding, such as psychic abilities, apparitions, or other paranormal experiences.
• Challenging methods: It may use or develop unconventional methods, as its subject matter lies outside what can be studied through standard scientific procedures.
• Overlap with parapsychology: The term is closely related to or encompasses parapsychology, which is the specific study of psychic phenomena like extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis.
• Criticism: Many of these fields face criticism from the mainstream scientific community for lacking reproducible evidence and for often being considered pseudoscience.
• “Parascientific” communication: The term can also describe communication that blurs the lines between science and popular interest, often using digital platforms to engage a wider audience with scientific topics that may lack robust evidence.