A conceptual map of scientism

Rik Peels*

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

This chapter provides a conceptual map of scientism: an overview of the varieties of scientism and their relations. It argues that a plausible understanding of scientism is the thesis that the boundaries of natural science should be expanded in order to include academic disciplines or realms of life that are widely considered not to belong to the realm of science. Every participant in the debate on scientism should make clear which variety of scientism she or he adheres to or criticizes by specifying whether she is talking about (a) academic or universal scientism; (b) eliminative, methodological, epistemological, ontological, moral, or existential scientism; (c) full or partial scientism; and (d) in the case of moral and existential scientism: replacement or illusion scientism. The aim of this map is to provide clarity in a debate that is often confused and to help one see what one is committed to in adopting a particular scientistic position.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationScientism
Subtitle of host publicationProspects and Problems
EditorsJeroen de Ridder, Rik Peels, René van Woudenberg
PublisherOxford University Press
Chapter1
Pages28-57
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9780190462772
ISBN (Print)9780190462758
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

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