Are Pseudosciences Like Seagulls? A Discriminant Metacriterion Facilitates the Solution of the Demarcation Problem. Issue 3 (2nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fasce, Angelo
• Is Part Of: International studies in the philosophy of science. Volume 32:Issue 3/4(2019)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2019-10-02
• Subjects: Pseudoscience -- demarcation problem -- demarcation criterion -- family resemblance; Science -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Philosophy and science -- Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1080/02698595.2020.1767891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-8595

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this article, I develop a philosophical framework, or 'metacriterion', for the demarcation of pseudoscience. Firstly, 'gradualist demarcation' is discussed in depth, considering an approach to the demarcation problem that presupposes the existence of a spectrum between science and pseudoscience; six general problems are found by means of this analysis. Secondly, based on the subsequent discussion of these problems, a discriminant metacriterion composed of four philosophical requirements is proposed. Lastly, it is shown that this metacriterion is able to guide the development of a workable and well-founded demarcation criterion for pseudoscience.