“Scientism” in the eyes of the beholder

Well, I have finally been accused of “scientism.” Usually considered a derogatory label it is often used unjustly. After all, there a people who wish to discredit scientists and scientific findings because they these don’t support a product, or idea, they are selling. So it does come up as a defensive term in commercial, philosophical, religious and ideological promotion.

The dictionary meaning includes “the use of the scientific method of acquiring knowledge, whether in the traditional sciences or in other fields of enquiry.” But the derogatory meaning is “the belief that science alone can explain phenomena, or the application of scientific methods to fields unsuitable for it.”

Of course, I deny the charge. But then again the specific offence is often in the eyes of those using the label – as is obvious for those with commercial interests.