Is astrology real? Is it as a true science or a pseudoscience?

Many people around the world believe astrology is a true science that works and help us understand our present and predict our future. However most scientists completely refute the validity of atrological predictions and explanations. Who do you think is right?

Astrology claims that part of our behavior is influenced by astronomical phenomena, and in a way one can predict events. Some people feel that many of the things that happen to them fit the patterns predicted by the horoscope and other astrological means. Others simply think astrologists are not scientists but charlatans and that correct predictions are simply coincidences. Do you think than the situation and movement of planets and stars can affect us? Have you experienced situations predicted by astrology?

Is astrology real?

Historical evidence shows that astrology has been regularly used for the last four thousand years, and remains very popular today. Astrology can be defined as the study of the relative positions and movements of celestial objects as a means for understanding and predicting human affairs and terrestrial events. Many cultures have developed astrology systems, but the Western, Indian and Chinese astrology systems are arguably the most popular today.

Is astrology true? The arguments of astrologers and advocates of astrology

The relative position and movements of celestial objects have influence on earth. For example, the movements of the moon have a huge impact on ocean tides. Some scientific studies have also demonstrated that the relative position of the planets in the solar system is correlated to the weather on earth and agricultural production.

If celestial objects have an influence on the physical world around us, according to the advocates of astrology, there must be also an influence on humans, for example upon their personality and decisions.

Since the relative position of celestial objects changes during the year, astrology has divided people between different groups according to their birth time and date. According to astrology, these different groups of people will have different personality patterns and therefore, behave differently. Astrologers claim to be able to identify these personalities and predict behaviors and interactions. Don't you have friends or family members who pay attention and talk about the horoscope? How many times someone have asked you about your astrological zodiac sign? These advocates or believers will often explain the success or failure in relationships based on the compatibility or incompatibility of their zodiac signs. Astrology followers believe that someone’s personality can be predicted by the date and birth date. The considerable number of followers astrology has all over the planet is also argued as a sign that astrology works. If so many people believe in it, isn't it because to some extent it works?

Is astrology a pseudoscience? The arguments from scientists and skeptics

Scientists have produced many studies on astrology, both to refute the accuracy of astrology systems and to explain why so many people believe astrology is real.

Peter Hartmann conducted, in 2005 one of the most famous studies with a sample group of 4000 persons. The conclusion was that there was no statistical correlation between birth date and personality or intelligence. Another important study was made by Shawn Carlson and published in 1985 in Nature. 28 astrologers agreed on the terms and method of the experiment, which was also validated by other scientists. The result was astrologers could not predict the future better than random chance.

So why do so many people believe in astrology if it does not work? According to available literature, astrology believers tend to selectively remember predictions that turn out to be true, and do not remember those that turn out false. It’s a form of cognitive bias known as confirmation bias.

What do you think? Is astrology a science and its findings true reflection of rigor and methodology or simply wild guesses and coincidence?

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