ARARAT INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, FRANCE
INTER-UNIVERSITY HIGHER ACADEMIC COUNCIL, PARIS
The 16th World Scientific Congress, organized by the Ararat International Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the Inter-University Higher Academic Council, IPPSA Association, and the generous support of “Encouragement Public” Paris, France, is gearing up to be a remarkable event. Scheduled for November 24th and 25th, 2023, at “FACO Paris – Faculte Libre De Droit, D’economie & De Gestion” in France.
Prof. Agop Kerkiacharian holds the position of Congress President, while Prof. Santhi Jayasekera and Prof. Izueitov Andrei assume roles as Vice Presidents. The XVII World Scientific Congress will focus on addressing a pressing concern in contemporary society: the differentiation between authentic scientific knowledge and pseudoscientific or parascientific notions.
In the cultural landscape of the 21st century, the task of distinguishing between science and pseudoscience has become paramount. Society perceives science as the driving force behind solving various social challenges. However, the complex relationship between society and science has given rise to opposing viewpoints about its credibility. The authority and intricacy of genuine scientific endeavors have inadvertently provided fertile ground for the proliferation of pseudoscientific theories that often masquerade as real science.
Science, by definition, is a field of activity rooted in the objective examination and systematization of knowledge about the world. It relies on empirical evidence and the scientific method of inquiry, where discoveries and experiments must meet the criteria of verifiability and repeatability. Verifiability ensures that different knowledgeable and independent observers can agree that a particular representation is true. Repeatability confirms that various independent experimenters can reproduce a particular experiment and obtain the same results.
In contrast, pseudoscience is presented as scientific but lacks the rigorous foundation of genuine scientific inquiry. It often relies on unfounded claims, unproven hypotheses, and unverified theories. To illustrate this distinction, consider historical examples of false discoveries:
Fleischmann-Pons nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion is a reaction that naturally occurs inside the Sun and other stars. The reason it is not possible on Earth (in nature) is precisely because of the high temperature. Stanley Pons and Martin Fleischmann announced a successful nuclear fusion reaction at room temperature. Pretty soon, other experiments were performed, virtually disproving any notion of nuclear fusion at room temperature. And their theory failed.
The light-bearing ether. Most people believed that there was a light-bearing ether that allowed light to pass through itself. Many scientists came up with various equations to prove the aether theory, and some even tried to find proof through experiments. One of the most famous examples of proving the existence of the aether is the work of Albert Michelson and Edward Morley. They worked together to create a device called an interferometer. The scientists were confident that their creation would prove the existence of the aether. However, the theory and the results of the experiments were completely false.
Einstein’s static universe. After completing the theory of relativity, Einstein worked on applying the principles of gravity to the universe. he had to come up with a constant that would be applicable to a finite universe. The result was the cosmological constant. The cosmological constant was one way of balancing the gravitational effect. However, pretty soon Einstein had to abandon the idea of a static universe, and with it the cosmological constant in the field equations.
The theory of the spontaneous origin of life lasted more than a thousand years before it was disproved. The first mention of the idea of spontaneous generation goes back to Aristotle and his assertion that life can arise from nothing as long as there is vital heat in inanimate material.
Urine therapy. A pseudoscientific method of treatment, an alternative therapy] involving the use of urine as a therapeutic agent. There is no scientific evidence for the health benefits of urine therapy.In some cases, urine therapy is dangerous to human health and life.
Mesmerism.The teachings and method of treatment of the German physician and astrologer of the Age of Enlightenment, Franz Mesmer. The author based them on the concept that the universe and organisms are imbued with a certain fluid, later called “animal magnetism”.
The Commission on Combating Pseudoscience and Falsification of Scientific Research was established back in 1998. It was initiated by Vitaly Ginzburg, a Soviet and Russian theoretical physicist, doctor of physical and mathematical sciences, and winner of the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physics. Currently, the Commission consists of about 60 scientists working on a voluntary basis. The main focus of its activities is the expertise of theories and developments applying for funding from the state budget. The RAS memorandum on the pseudoscience of homeopathy became the second such document of this organisation. Issued in May 2016, Memorandum No. 1, which referred to the pseudoscientific status of commercial testing based on skin patterns of the fingers of hands (dermatoglyphic testing), caused a powerful reaction.
In conclusion, the XVII World Scientific Congress promises to be an essential platform for discussing the critical issue of distinguishing genuine science from pseudoscience in our modern world. It is a reminder of the importance of upholding rigorous scientific standards and promoting empirical evidence in the pursuit of knowledge. As we navigate the complex relationship between society and science, events like this congress are crucial for fostering a better understanding of the boundaries that separate real science from pseudoscientific beliefs.
This highly significant event is set to attract world-renowned scientists, esteemed researchers, influential ministers, distinguished ambassadors, and high-caliber personalities from around the globe. With Prof. J.S.K. Jayasekara dedicatedly fulfilling the role of chief coordinator for this congress, it is poised to be an exceptionally momentous occasion.
The importance of this event cannot be overstated. The XVII World Scientific Congress tackles the crucial task of discerning authentic scientific knowledge from pseudoscientific and parascientific beliefs. In an age where misinformation and dubious claims abound, this congress serves as an educational beacon, shedding light on the boundaries between credible science and unverified assertions. It provides a platform for the global community to unite in the pursuit of evidence-based understanding and to reinforce the fundamental principles of rigorous scientific inquiry. In doing so, it contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the safeguarding of the integrity of scientific discourse, serving as a vital lesson for the world.
To participate in the Congress, follow these steps:
Congress Registration:
Email your participation application to ararat-academy@reso.net and info@iuhac.fr.
You’ll receive a Congress registration form to complete.
Paper Submission:
Send paper topics or abstracts to ararat-academy@reso.net and info@iuhac.fr.
Be sure to follow instructions and meet any deadlines provided by the organizers.
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