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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.
List of contents
Chapter 1 SCIENTISM AND'SCIENTIFIC EMPIRICISM'; Chapter 2 THE ROOTS OF SCIENTISM?; Chapter 3 REASON, SCIENCE AND THE WIDER CULTURE; Chapter 4 MORAL CRITICISMS OF THEARTS AND SCIENCES; Chapter 5 THE TWO CULTURES; Chapter 6 THE NEW SCIENTISM IN PHILOSOPHY; Chapter 7 NATURALISMS IN THE MORAL SCIENCES; CONCLUSION;
About the author
Maurianne Adams, Lee Anne Bell, Diane J. Goodman, Khyati Y. Joshi
Summary
Sorrell is critical of the scientistic tendency in philosophy. He does not wish to devalue science but supports the need to raise the status of arts and humanities within the discipline.
Report
'This is a fresh look at scientism, serious and helpful - extremely welcome.' - Mary Midgley
'Sorell's exceptionally lucid prose ... is stimulating and highly recommended.' - Times Higher Education Supplement
'This badly needed book is ... an outstanding addition to any library.' - Choice
'Sorell has produced an eminently readable critique ... of great value to teachers and students in the humanities. It deserves to be read by members of the scientific community.' - Explorations in Knowledge
