but then there are plenty of scientists that say psycology isn't a science either....
Personally I don't understand the arguement why psychology has to be science in order for it to 'work'.
Psychology in essence is based on scientific principles. However, practical application of psychology is not science. Why? Brains aren't a metric length someone can put a ruler against and measure. There are too many uncertainties to call any therapy science. Still, due to categorization, recognition of common patterns and ofcourse also scientific facts such as blood pressure and such. Are all considered in one heap and out of it comes therapies, medication and courses of action that most likely prove effective. Where there was no treatment before. Is psychology science? Parts of it, sure, and psychology aims to be as close to science as possible which is ofcourse good. But in general, it is not pure science. That doesn't mean it isn't useful however.
If someone is crying and you don't know why or what caused it. Should you just ignore it because you don't know the science behind it?
(= Psychology is bogus, it's not science!)
Or should you act on what you do know, that crying is most often a result from something painful happening and inquire why the person cries, how you may assist, if there's hurt where it hurts and thus narrow down the cause and help find a solution and aid in the persons distress or pain?
(= Psychology may not be science, but it sure is helpful.)
Are you implying there's a gray area between science and bullshit? *struggling to wrap mind around new concept*
Yes, shortly put.
One end of the spectrum there is science that we aquired. On the other end of the spectrum is bullshit. Inbetween is tons and tons of potential science as well as bullshit that is beyond our comprehension, awaiting our discovery.