close
test_template

Why Hypnosis is a Pseudoscience

download print

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 475 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Published: Mar 14, 2019

Words: 475|Page: 1|3 min read

Published: Mar 14, 2019

While hypnosis has been around since ancient times, its study as a ‘science’ occurred first in the 1700’s. A German doctor, Franz Mesmer, used this in the treatment of his patients, leading many to a newfound interest in hypnosis. Though originally thought of a science, and used to treat patients, it is clear now that hypnosis meets the criteria for being a pseudoscience. Many people use the term ‘science’ lightly, including myself until now, and you consider hypnosis to be a science. However, if we look at the criteria to consider something a science, it becomes evident that many of these subjects are actually pseudosciences. A scientific theory must be testable, progressive, correctable, consistent, parsimonious, and useful. A pseudoscience, therefore, does not contain all of these characteristics. Often, a pseudoscience will rely on blind faith and seriously lack evidence or testing. Pseudoscientists do not need to form theories or hypotheses, and do not need to provide test results or observations in order to distribute or publish their ideas. This makes it easy to fall into the trap of believing a pseudoscience is a true science. For myself, I might have believed that hypnosis was a real science due to its popularity and uses in television. While it seems trivial, over the years I have seen many instances in which even law enforcement uses hypnosis or hypnotherapy. For example, I have seen hypnosis used for memory recall in instances of witnesses unable to remember important events. On top of this, without previously knowing the criteria to be considered a science, it was easy to simply believe that this was, in fact, a science.

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

Specifically in the case of hypnosis, one can look at the many characteristics of a pseudoscience and come to the conclusion that hypnosis fits the bill. First of all, there is not standard scientific method that hypnosis follows in order to make it uniform. This produces skewed test results due to the varying testing environments and procedures. Unreliable test results make accurate observations and hypotheses nearly impossible to form and therefore make hypnosis impossible to be a science. Further, it is easy to spin the results of hypnosis in order to support theories that pseudoscientists produce. Unlike a true science, hypnosis is not tested in laboratories, but rather it is often tested in unverifiable conditions, under manipulated circumstances. For example, since it is not observed or tested under the same conditions all the time, it is difficult to formulate symmetrical or reliable evidence. Additionally, most of the time it is impossible to determine if the results of hypnosis are due to the actual hypnosis, or due to other underlying factors. While hypnosis may initially appear to be a science, its inability to follow the scientific method or produce verifiable results and observations renders it a pseudoscience.

Image of Alex Wood
This essay was reviewed by
Alex Wood

Cite this Essay

Why Hypnosis is a Pseudoscience. (2019, March 12). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/why-hypnosis-is-a-pseudoscience/
“Why Hypnosis is a Pseudoscience.” GradesFixer, 12 Mar. 2019, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/why-hypnosis-is-a-pseudoscience/
Why Hypnosis is a Pseudoscience. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/why-hypnosis-is-a-pseudoscience/> [Accessed 28 Mar. 2024].
Why Hypnosis is a Pseudoscience [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2019 Mar 12 [cited 2024 Mar 28]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/why-hypnosis-is-a-pseudoscience/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now