Abstract

HAACK, Susan. Six signs of scientism. discus.filos [online]. 2010, vol.11, n.16, pp. 13-40. ISSN 0124-6127.

As the English word "scientism" is currently used, it is a trivial verbal truth that scientism-an inappropriately deferential attitude to science-should be avoided. But it is a substantial question when, and why, deference to the sciences is inappropriate or exaggerated. This paper tries to answer that question by articulating "six signs of scientism": the honorific use of "science," etc.; using scientific trappings purely decoratively; preoccupation with demarcation; preoccupation with "scientific method"; looking to the sciences for answers beyond their scope; denying the legitimacy or worth of non-scientific (e.g., legal or literary) inquiry, or of writing poetry or making art.

Keywords : Scientism; honorific use of "science"; demarcation of science; scientific method; science and values.