Description
Book SynopsisThe term scientism is used in several ways. It is used to denote an epistemological thesis according to which science is the source of our knowledge about the world and ourselves. Relatedly, it is used to denote a methodological thesis according to which the methods of science are superior to the methods of non-scientific fields or areas of inquiry, or even used to put forward a metaphysical thesis that what exists is what science says exists. In recent decades, the term scientism has acquired a derogatory meaning when it is used in defense of non-scientific ways of knowing. In particular, some philosophers level the charge of “scientism” against those (mostly scientists) who are dismissive of philosophy. Other philosophers, however, embrace scientism, or some variant thereof, and object to the pejorative use of the term scientism. This book critically examines the arguments for and against scientism, of various productive kinds to answer the central question: does scientism pose an existential threat to philosophy, or should philosophy become more scientific?
Table of Contents- Introduction
Moti Mizrahi
- The Scientism Debate: A Battle for the Soul of Philosophy?
Moti Mizrahi
- The Supposed Spectre of Scientism
Amanda Bryant
- Conceptions of Philosophy and the Challenges of Scientism
Ian James Kidd
- How to Defend Scientism
Petri Turunen, Ilkka Pättiniemi, Ilmari Hirvonen, Johan Hietanen, and Henrik Saarinen
- Philosophy of Science in Practice and Weak Scientism Together Apart
Luana Poliseli and Federica Russo
- “Science in the Crosshairs”
Catherine Wilson
- Between Electrical Light Switches and Panpsychism: Scientism and the Responsibilities of the Humanities in the 21st Century
Ann-Sophie Barwich
- Whither Academic Philosophy?
Moti Mizrahi
- Epilogue
Moti Mizrahi
Index
About the Editor
About the Contributors
