Do you think the AB admins should remove "Paranormal phenomena" from the Science category and make it a top category itself? The association lends an undeserved air of respectability to a lot of woo-woo nonsense.
by 
xprofessor
ANSWERS: 5
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I suspect there are probably good arguments as to whether to do that or not, but I think that it is easier to keep it in science as it is probably what most people would think of when trying to find that topic. The topic classifications here do leave a lot to be desired, but sometimes in order to have a bit of simplicity you have to accept compromises such as this. I would also expect that new "sciences" take a long time to gain recognition as a science by many people and this may well be an example of that phenomenon. Just to add, this opinion is coming from a scientist, so I doubt that it may lend weight to my answer it just helps you to know what perspective I am coming from.
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I think it should stay, as long as well-reasoned folks like you can quickly jump on any claims that it is real science. I can see the argument that the sub-category threatens the perception of what science is/is-not, but I think how AB is used will actually work for, not against science.
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I don't give more credence to a question based on its category's placement in the category structure. So, I'd say it doesn't make any difference.
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Lack of science is a need for science. I think it is in the right place. Theoretically, an expert can come here, and wipe out every question, with a scientific explanation. Of course, there may be some nonsense there as well...
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Yes, I agree with you. Why not make paranormal phenomena a category with extrasensory perception, telekinesis (sp.?), 'spiritual healing from a distance' (not sure what that is called by those who believe and practice it) seeing ghosts, communicating with 'spirits' and other phenomena all as sub-categories? In that way, chemistry, biology, physics, etc. could be retained under the natural sciences. There is already a category for social sciences which includes psychology and the like, and why not something for the more mystical beliefs and practices - even under spiritualism or something related to the religion category? These are just thoughts - I really am no expert and do not know where they should go but I do agree with you that they warrant a separate category, distinct from the natural sciences. +5
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