Astrology is a classic example of pseudo-science, at least until a conception of science and in particular of solid astronomy has been established.
Until 1600, astrology was considered one of the greatest forms of erudition, so much so that it also helped to orientate the first development of the history of astronomy. It has been commonly accepted in both cultural and political settings. Meanwhile some of its fundamental concepts have also been used in other types of traditional studies such as alchemy, medicine and later the history of meteorology.
The beliefs
of astrology have been elaborated on the basis of the correspondences between
the observations of the night sky and the word events. They have influenced
various aspects of human life and thought. In particular, they inspired the
behavior and different life choices of many people as well as some visions of
the world. These beliefs were also used to predict seasonal changes and to
interpret celestial cycles as signs of divine communication to man.
Since
astronomy and heliocentric conception have been established, as disciplines of
study, astrology has lost its status of scientific knowledge.
However,
since 1900 astrology has recovered ground of popular credibility especially
through the influence of the horoscope, widespread and published in several
media.
The absence
of a fundamental "scientific seriousness", even in the case of
astrology, has not prevented significant social influences and implications,
which still remain in large strata of contemporary society.
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento