Give 3 examples of unscientific beliefs?

Answer 1

A belief is unscientific if it cannot be justified by evidence evaluated using the scientific method.

The scientific method is characterized by a general series of steps, including formulating a falsifiable hypothesis about the "mechanism" or "fundamental nature" of a natural (or social) phenomenon, making a prediction based on the hypothesis, testing the prediction using a reproducible experiment, and modifying the hypothesis to fit the results of the experiment, with the aim of obtaining the most accurate and truthful description of reality.

An unscientific belief (or any belief) can be "rationalized" by logical or cognitive fallacies such as not considering evidence which contradicts one's intended conclusion but which is otherwise of similar quality to other evidence (called cherry picking), not considering the placebo effect (or failing to correct for it in an experiment), or believing that correlation proves causation, among many others. The scientific method is intended to avoid these fallacies as much as possible by ensuring that reality is allowed to "speak for itself" as much as possible through empirical evidence (observations, lab experiments, etc.).

Unscientific beliefs include belief in pseudosciences like Astrology, creationism, homeopathy, intelligent design, global warming denial, phrenology, faith healing, quantum healing, AIDS denialism, and dianetics, among many others. Most religious myths, most superstitions, and most conspiracy theories are unscientific.