Description

Description: 'Scientism' is indeed a word that we need. We need it because it describes a way of thinking that has profound and radical implications in almost every sphere of life. We need it because that way of thinking is becoming more and more dominant in Western culture... John Cowburn first introduces us to scientism as the belief ""that only scientific knowledge is valid"", ""that science can explain and do everything and that nothing else can explain or do anything"" and ""that science and reason, or scientific and rational, are co-extensive terms"" .. Having provided these definitions, he then proceeds to educate us in the history and impact of scientism through the modern period in the West... Whether considering science, philosophy, psychology, criminology or Christianity, he very helpfully focuses in on those key developments and shifts of thought that have been critical in building up the intellectual edifice of scientism. Cowburn's knowledge of the great Western thinkers of the past few centuries is most impressive and it has enabled him to even-handedly distil out the salient contributions each has made and then to bring these together into a coherent and compelling narrative. Indeed, his balanced, big-picture perspective is in itself enough to commend this book to anyone who wants to grow in their understanding of the macro-evolution of the subject. The book must be commended to the reader because it is so readable. Deep enough to engage those who already have a good grounding in the issues and yet still very accessible to the newcomer, it will enlighten, stimulate and profit everyone. Its most valuable reward is that it will equip us to engage in informed conversations about a significant force that's shaping the thought-world of Western culture today, a force that's even coming to presume that it is the only valid contender for an overarching philosophy. There needs to be a broad interaction over the question of scientism. Cowburn's book gives us an excellent place to begin.