Woo-woo

Woo-woo (or woo) is a derogatory term used by skeptics to refer to beliefs, systems of belief, models of reality, scientific processes, or factual claims that result from a lack of application of either the scientific method, or skeptical/critical thinking tools. Such a belief is rejected by the scientific consensus and/or skeptical communities. The term is also used to describe a person who demonstrates credulous, unsystematic, or illogical beliefs or thought-processes. This person may be afflicted by true believer syndrome, and has invested themselves in a falsified belief.
The term psuedoscientific is preferred when reference is made to specific scientific claims. In that domain, psuedoscientific woo-woo refers to results(for example, cold fusion) that can be assessed by the peer review process and that can(theoretically) be replicated.
The consensus of scientists carries much sway with the skeptical community. This is both because of the high number of scientists among the community and because of the strong conditions for acceptance that both science and skepticism place on new discoveries and beliefs respectively, but woo-woo is more inclusive in its rejections than scientific skepticism. Pseudoscience is bounded by its attachment to, and impersonation of, science. Whereas, woo-woo can refer to topics outside the purview of science such as something unknown (when the world will end), unknowable (the mind of gods), falsified (2012 prophecies), or unfalsifiable: gods, demons, spirituality, the occult, and generally anything magical.
Examples
Topics that skeptics refer to as woo-woo include, but are not limited to:
* Conspiracy theories
* Supernatural events, entities, powers,...
* Alternative medicine modalities
* New-age belief in crystals, energy, powers, ...
* Alien encounters, visitations, abductions, crash-landings, ... but, both the scientific and skeptical community readily accept that life, and even intelligent life, may well exist. The scientific community is only waiting on high quality evidence, while believers make claims based on poor evidence or anecdotal reports.
* Cryptozoology and the creatures that are most often associated with that field. Including, but not limited to, Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, ...
* Predictions of Nostradamus, psychics, or of any other preternatural source are considered to be worthless. The belief that the Maya calendar predicts the doom of the world is also dismissed as unsupported claims, and thus woo-woo.
* Historical revisionism such as holocaust denial and 9/11 conspiracy theories are considered woo-woo because, though they exhibit obvious skepticism, their skepticism is only strong towards facts that negate their preconceived notions. Ignoring evidence that counters ones beliefs is considered pseudoscience and pseudoskepticism.
* Climate change denial
Difficulties in Identifying Woo-woo
"Sometimes the line between woo and non-woo isn't so obvious." -Orac.
To identify a woo belief or believer you can use one of many simple heuristics. A woo-woo belief will often be accepted despite running counter to logic. A believer in woo-woo may commit several logical fallacies in their argument for, or defense of, a woo belief.
The ability to spot woo is, among proponents of skepticism, considered important because it does not require trust in an authority, and can empower you in your daily life. A classic example is the use of alternative medicine modalities. Upon being offered and ineffective medicine a prepared woo-woo spotter will notice the flaws in the information put forward about the product, or see the logical leap between the treatment and its intended result. This can both save money, and stop an ill patient from delaying serious medical care.
Methods of Proliferation
*Oprah
::The Secret; Jenny McCarthy
*Political
::NCCAM, Senator Harkin; Homeopathy, Prince Charles;
*Skirting the Law
::Dianetics, L. Ron Hubbard; Weasel Words,(Male Enhancement)

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