Single Idea 6844

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / G. Scientific Philosophy / 3. Scientism]

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 Reference

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]