Scientism

by Tom Sorell

First Published in 2004. Scientism is the belief that science, especially natural science, is the most valuable part of our culture. Although not confined to philosophers, it is from Bacon and Descartes up to the naturalized epistemology of Quine that the clearest statements of the scientistic attitude are to be found. This book shows how Western philosophy has been dominated by an identification with the aims of science and the rationality of its methods. This has resulted in attempts to either dismiss the unscientific or to put it on a scientific footing. The author criticizes this scientific view of philosophy, wishing not to devalue science but to increase the value placed on the arts and humanities. He insists that philosophy is not a science and condemns recent attempts in the name of naturalism to revive the project of a scientific philosophy.

Genres: Philosophy, Science

Paperback

First published May 23, 1991

Reviews

[William Ramsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts very solid, making relevant and coherent points. Unfortunately, after chapter one the author seems hell bent on reminding you he has his PhD in philosophy. He gets stuck on Kant in ways I didn't find at all illuminating or useful. He's also clumsy with his terms, seeming to conflate math, science, and reason as one discipline. I'm sure there's better tomes on the philosophy of science available.