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Full Idea
Scientism is the belief that all phenomena can be explained through the methodology of the natural sciences, and the belief that, therefore, all phenomena are capable of a causal explanation.
Gist of Idea
Scientism is the view that everything can be explained causally through scientific method
Source
Simon Critchley (Interview with Baggini and Stangroom [2001], p.196)
Book Ref
Baggini,J/Stangroom,J: 'New British Philosophy' [Routledge 2002], p.196
A Reaction
He links two ideas together, but I tend to subscribe fully to the second idea, but less fully to the first. Scientific method, if there is such a thing (Idea 6804), may not be the best way to lay bare the causal network of reality.
Related Idea
Idea 6804 There is no agreement on scientific method - because there is no such thing [Bird]
| 6835 | German idealism aimed to find a unifying principle for Kant's various dualisms [Critchley] |
| 6837 | Since Hegel, continental philosophy has been linked with social and historical enquiry. [Critchley] |
| 6836 | Continental philosophy fights the threatened nihilism in the critique of reason [Critchley] |
| 6838 | Continental philosophy is based on critique, praxis and emancipation [Critchley] |
| 6843 | Perceiving meaninglessness is an achievement, which can transform daily life [Critchley] |
| 6844 | Scientism is the view that everything can be explained causally through scientific method [Critchley] |
| 6845 | Continental philosophy has a bad tendency to offer 'one big thing' to explain everything [Critchley] |
| 6846 | Phenomenology is a technique of redescription which clarifies our social world [Critchley] |
| 6847 | Humour can give a phenomenological account of existence, and point to change [Critchley] |
| 6848 | Humour is practically enacted philosophy [Critchley] |