Scientism is the conviction that there is only that which can be weighed, measured and placed in a test tube. It is the inverted mirror of fideism.
Science is not scientism
It is worth separating two things. Science is a method for studying what can be measured, and it works very well at that. Scientism is a philosophical belief: that only the measurable exists. The second is not a result of the first. It is a statement about the totality of reality that no experiment can demonstrate.
What scientism cannot measure
God, the soul, goodness, beauty: none of this fits in a test tube, and scientism concludes that none of this exists. But the phrase itself only exists what can be measured cannot be measured. It applies to itself and fails its own test. It is a position that contradicts itself at the starting point.
The conflict thesis
The idea that science and faith have always been at war is a 19th century invention. Modern science was born within universities founded by the Church, financed by priests and monks convinced that studying Creation was a way of honoring the Creator. Scientism is dramatic, but it does not resist history.
In-depth study
Church History Course, with Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Bitencourt
In-depth reading of the work of Daniel Rops, where the alliance between faith and reason and Augustine's conversion appear in full.
Discover the courseFrequently asked questions
What is scientism?
It is the belief that there is only that which can be weighed, measured and verified by science. Everything else, such as God, the soul and goodness, would be treated as superstition.
What is the difference between science and scientism?
Science is a method for studying the measurable. Scientism is a philosophical belief that only the measurable exists. Science neither requires nor demonstrates this belief.
Does scientism contradict itself?
Yes. The statement only exists what can be measured and cannot itself be measured. She doesn't pass her own test.
Continue: Faith and reason: rivals, separate or allies? · What is fideism · What is NOMA
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