Introduction
Scientism is a philosophical position that precedes scientific knowledge and methods over all other forms of knowledge and explanation. It proceeds from the idea that science is the only credible and reliable source of knowledge about the world. While the scientific approach undoubtedly has its merits and usefulness, there are two main arguments against scientism.
Arguments Against Scientism
The first point against scientism is the limitations of the scientific method. Science operates on objective observations and verifiable facts and seeks to develop objective laws and theories. However, many issues and aspects of human experience go beyond scientific inquiry. For example, emotions, ethics, morality, religion, and art are all difficult or impossible to explain and understand fully with a scientific approach (Muller, 2021). By insisting that science may be the only source of truth, scientism limits our understanding of the world and negates other possibilities of gaining knowledge and explanation.
The second stance against scientism is that it does not consider the importance of subjective experience and human values. The scientific approach seeks objectivity and universality, ignoring individual experiences and different cultural contexts. Science cannot fully capture and explain man’s subjective experiences, such as feelings, tastes, beliefs, and values (Muller, 2021). Scientism, in disregard of these aspects, limits our understanding of meaningful human life.
Instead of scientism, a more constructive approach is recognizing the diversity of knowledge and explanation forms. Philosophy, religion, art, and other disciplines offer unique insights and perspectives that complement the scientific approach. Instead of exclusive recognition of science, people should integrate different forms of knowledge to gain a deeper and fuller understanding of the world and human existence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scientism restricts our comprehension of the world by dismissing alternative sources of knowledge and interpretation. Its limitations in explaining subjective experience and its lack of consideration for human values are the two main arguments against it. Instead, we should recognize the diversity of forms of knowledge and explanations to gain a fuller and deeper understanding of the world and our place in it.
Reference
Muller, S. M. (2021). The dangers of performative scientism as the alternative to anti-scientific policymaking: A critical, preliminary assessment of South Africa’s Covid-19 response and its consequences. World Development, 140, 105290. Web.