Philosopher Andre Comte-Sponville once said that Scientism is "dangerous nonsense." Is it so? What is he really like? What are the main features of scientism and anti-scientism? Let's find out more about this later.
Scientism is ...
The end of the XV - beginning of the XVI centuries is known in Europe as the era of the High Renaissance. At this time, great geographical discoveries were made, a cultural and scientific revolution was taking place . Old foundations are crumbling in the minds of people, they are being replaced by completely new views on the world around them. It is then that Scientism appears.
The term comes from the Latin word scientia, which is translated into Russian as "fundamental science, knowledge of the basics." Scientism is a worldview that represents science as the fundamental source of knowledge of the world. It reaches its greatest development in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in the era of the scientific and technological revolution.
Proponents of the concept consider natural and technical sciences to be the only correct ones that carry the truth. The name "scientism" is generally used in a negative connotation by critics of an idea. In contrast to this position, anti-scientism is put forward, which denies the ascension of science to the rank of religion, underestimating its significance for humanity.
The essence of the concept
The highest value that scientism accepts is science. It is the only source of real knowledge, contributes to the solution of important human problems. The knowledge gained in other ways is erroneous and not true. Scientism is only an ideological orientation that does not have specific postulates and a clear belief system.
Scientists admire scientific progress and achievements. They deny philosophy as a reliable path to knowledge. In their opinion, science gives life meaning, answers the most difficult questions. It organizes the world around it, which makes it understandable and organized. This, in turn, leads to success. Scientists are convinced that social and cultural values come from science. She dictates their development. Adherents of this worldview believe that all spheres of life should be "taught", the life of society should be modernized for its own benefit.
Criticism
The rapid technological development was not only fascinating, but also scary. In connection with the popularity of scientism, another concept arose that completely contradicted it. Her supporters drew knowledge from alternative sources: philosophy, art, religion. Anti-Scientists do not trust science with such rejection, claiming that its excess can do much harm. They believe that some achievements can lead to the death of mankind or cause irreparable harm to it. This may relate, for example, to the development of nuclear physics or the development of metallurgy that pollutes the atmosphere.
The mood of the antiscientists is different. Some relate to science radically, opposing its development in principle. Others hold moderate views. They allow the existence of science, but do not exaggerate its role. They perceive it as an auxiliary, not a fundamental element of life. Opponents of scientism say that not only accurate calculations, but also personal experience, personal thoughts and intuition play an important role in human development.
Conclusion
Scientism and anti-scientism in philosophy act as two opposing points of view. Science can really make life easier for a person, make him more successful and prosperous. At the same time, it should not displace other areas of knowledge. Both theories are quite radical and go to extremes. Adherents of progress were most often scientists. For example, Rutherford once said: "Sciences are divided into physics and stamp collecting." Having adopted the slogan “knowledge is power”, scientists assure the omnipotence and necessity of science.
Their opponents are convinced that technological development is soulless. Measuring everything around with formulas, numbers, classifications, a person loses the creative component of life, its romance and unpredictability. Anti-scientist views can be found in many utopian writers. Their novels often describe the negative aspects of progress, as a result of which people lose their individuality and independence.