scientism

[ sahy-uhn-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the style, assumptions, techniques, practices, etc., typifying or regarded as typifying scientists.
2. the belief that the assumptions, methods of research, etc., of the physical and biological sciences are equally appropriate and essential to all other disciplines, including the humanities and the social sciences.
3. scientific or pseudoscientific language.

scientism

/ ˈsaɪənˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the application of, or belief in, the scientific method
2. the uncritical application of scientific or quasi-scientific methods to inappropriate fields of study or investigation

Derived Forms

• ˌscienˈtistic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scientism¹

First recorded in 1875–80; scient(ist) + -ism

Example Sentences

In the reading wars, scientific certainty is often used rhetorically to deny reasonable differences and cut off healthy debate, turning science into scientism.

From Washington Post