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In Defense of Scientism

9 min readSep 21, 2024

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Columbine wildflower in the California Sierra. Photo by the author.

What is scientism?

Scientism is the idea that believing that science is a superior form of knowledge is wrong because it amounts to an unwarranted worshipping of science. It is an accusation often leveled against scientists, humanists and skeptics by New Age gurus, old-fashion religious conservatives and quite a few misguided philosophers.

One of such philosophers is Massimo Pigliucci, who writes in Medium with the penname of

. This is surprising, since Pigliucci used to be a scientist before he became a philosopher who centers his work around the ancient discipline of Stoicism. He also writes often against different forms of pseudoscience and magical beliefs.

I should disclose that my real name is Juan Carlos Marvizon, Ph.D. I am a neuroscientist and a UCLA professor (retired). You can read , and here is the .

Massimo Pigliucci has written a book about scientism (which I have not read) and the following article in Medium:

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Hermes Solenzol
Hermes Solenzol

Written by Hermes Solenzol

Professor of neuroscience. Pain researcher. Old-school Leftist. Science, philosophy, politics and kinky sex.

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