Keywords
Aesthetic and academic falsifications
Scientific method
Forensic geology
History of geology
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction and Objective. This essay presents a review of the article Geological fakes and frauds by Ruffel, Majury & Brooks, published in Earth-Science Reviews in 2012 (doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2011.12.001). Methodology. The article addresses recurrent frauds and falsifications throughout the history of Geology, dividing them into three groups: (a) economic aspects, such as substitution and falsification of gems and precious stones, mining, and gas and oil extraction; (b) aesthetic and academic reasons, mainly in Paleontology; and (c) historical and archaeological events. The main motivations behind these practices are financial gain, aesthetic appeal, and academic development. Results. Such practices are not recent, and they bring important reflections on the role of Geology in revealing frauds. Both Popper's principle of falsifiability and the scientific method are essential in understanding how sciences deal with such situations. In particular, the geological studies used in detecting frauds confer even greater credibility to Geology as a scientific field. Conclusion. We hope to be possible to adopt a stance of 'healthy cynicism' regarding scientific reports, to better understand the establishment of Geology as a science, and to identify suspicious and criminal situations in the geological sciences.
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