Concept in Definition ABC

In the sphere of knowledge there are many types of disciplines. Some are based on principles worked out by reason (for example, math and logic) and others are practical skills (gardening or crafts). There are areas that are based on creativity (the different arts) and there are also scientific subjects, such as physics, biology, astronomy or oceanography. Some branches of knowledge are not pure sciences but use scientific tools, such as pedagogy, sociology or archeology.

On the other hand, there are unique disciplines, since they have a appearance scientific but are questioned for their methodology and by the indemonstrability of its affirmations and principles (in this case, we are talking about pseudosciences, such as astrology, feng shui, numerology or psychoanalysis).

The general panorama described above generates a discussion about the role of science in the whole of knowledge. For some, there is only one absolutely reliable and valid knowledge, science.

On the opposite side, there are those who argue that science is a building valid in many of its applications and approaches, but it should not become an absolute dogma that serves as an alibi to discredit other sources of knowledge. Those who defend this last thesis use the term scientism or scientism in a pejorative way.

Arguments against scientism

There are many types of knowledge that do not have a scientific methodology and that does not mean that they lack validity; like ethics, literary criticism or historical interpretation.

Science is not simply a set of laws and procedures neutral and objective. In fact, scientific knowledge can serve evil and morally despicable interests.

The supposed superiority of the pure sciences over the rest of the disciplines reveals a contempt for everything that is not strictly demonstrable. For example, it is not possible to present definitive evidence on the role of dreams in mental processes, but it is very surprising that scientists roundly disavow those who try to understand the role of dreams in the processes mental.

The debate in the field of medicine

Medical professionals use the scientific method for the treatment of diseases. Thus, they prescribe an iron supplement after verifying that the patient has low levels of this substance or advise a change in diet when they have tests on cholesterol levels.

In short, the procedures used are based on objective evidence that is accepted by the entire scientific community.

Despite the fact that conventional medicine has demonstrated its effectiveness in a resounding way, there are people who distrust medical knowledge and dismiss it as a scientist.

Those who have this perspective on health and disease believe in the efficacy of other alternative procedures: urine therapy, psychic surgery, biomagnetic therapy or Angel therapy (a guardian angel protects us from diseases).

Medicine does not cure all diseases and is subject to human error and possible abuse, but different alternative disciplines have a weakness even bigger: there is no conclusive evidence to show its effectiveness.

Photo: Fotolia - bimbim