Mapping Pluto’s Republic

Cognitive and Epistemological Reflections on Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem

Authors

  • Leonardo Ambasciano Masaryk University, Brno

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jcsr.27091

Keywords:

cognitive science, critical thinking, demarcation, paranormal/supernatural, philosophy of science, pseudoscience

Abstract

The presence of fringe and debatable methods and theories is widespread in the academia, excluding practically no discipline. Since theoretical reliability, epistemic warrant and empirical support are contentious issues, the demarcation between science and pseudoscience remains highly controversial, especially in the Humanities. However, a renewed interest in the demarcation problem holds much promise to tackle the underlying methodological and epistemological questions. This review essay briefly deals with the historiographical resilience of pseudoscience and the fascination which psi phenomena in the academic history of religion in the light of Massimo Pigliucci and Maarten Boudry’s recently co-edited book, entitled Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem (Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 2013). A detailed review of Pigliucci and Boudry’s volume is also provided.

Author Biography

  • Leonardo Ambasciano, Masaryk University, Brno

    Leonardo Ambasciano earned his PhD in Historical Studies at the University of Turin (Italy) in 2014 with a cognitive analysis of the ancient Roman female cult of Bona Dea. He is currently a lecturer at Masaryk University, Brno (Czech Republic).

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Published

2017-02-01

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Ambasciano, L. (2017). Mapping Pluto’s Republic: Cognitive and Epistemological Reflections on Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem. Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion, 3(2), 183-205. https://doi.org/10.1558/jcsr.27091