The Nature of Pseudoscience, How to Fight It, and Why It Matters

Massimo Pigliucci argues that skepticism is an ongoing, often difficult effort grounded in inquiry, ethical responsibility, and the recognition that pseudoscience will never fully disappear. Rather than aiming to "win," skeptics should focus on thoughtful dialogue, critical thinking, and incremental progress—lighting small "candles" of reason through persuasion, humility, and evidence-based engagement. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/04/the-nature-of-pseudoscience-how-to-fight-it-and-why-it-matters/ About the Author: Massimo Pigliucci is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His books include Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (Chicago Press) and Philosophy of Pseudoscience (coedited with Maarten Boudry, Chicago Press). More by Massimo at https://massimopigliucci.org Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/