Final answer:
Astrology is considered a pseudoscience because it does not provide verifiable predictions or ignores disagreements with known facts, differentiating it from legitimate sciences like astronomy, which has robust evidence and methodological rigor. option 4 is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Astrology is considered a pseudoscience because it pretends to be scientific, but does not actually provide verifiable predictions or ignores disagreements with known facts. Unlike astronomy, which grew from astrology and is a legitimate science, astrology has remained rooted in prescientific beliefs and traditions.
The basis of astrology revolves around the assumption that the positions of celestial bodies at the time of our birth can influence our personality and destiny. Historical figures such as Ptolemy laid down principles that modern astrologers still follow, such as casting horoscopes and suggesting interpretations. Despite the historical interest and the development of astrology over time, it lacks substantial evidence supporting its claims and doesn't hold up against modern scientific standards.
To assess the validity of astrology, scientists have conducted tests and found no verifiable evidence to support astrological predictions. This undermines astrology’s claim to predict personalities or future events based on celestial positions. Consequently, astrology is not recognized as a natural science, as it cannot demonstrate repeatable evidentiary support for its theories, which is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method.
The correct option that defines why astrology is considered a pseudoscience is: 4) It pretends to be scientific, but does not actually provide verifiable predictions or ignores disagreements with known facts.