Six Signs of Scientism (Seis Signos De Cientismo) (Spanish)
Discusiiones Filosoficas, Ano 11, No. 15, June 2010
University of Miami Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2011-05
25 Pages Posted: 15 Feb 2011
Date Written: May 12, 2010
Abstract
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 in 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.
Note: Downloadable document is in Spanish.
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