Rationally Speaking Podcast Rationally Speaking #94 - Maarten Boudry on Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem
Oct 3, 2013
Philosopher Maarten Boudry, a doctoral researcher at Ghent University, joins to unpack the murky waters separating science from pseudoscience. He dives into the critical demarcation problem, illustrating how concepts like predictability and falsifiability challenge our understanding. Boudry shares insights from his recent book and humorously recounts his experience pranking theologians. The conversation also touches on intriguing examples like paranormal claims and academic hoaxes, revealing how the lines defining genuine inquiry can often become blurred.
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Demarcation Problem
- The demarcation problem, distinguishing science from pseudoscience, is a key issue in philosophy.
- Philosophers debate whether this problem is solvable and relevant, with some, like Larry Laudan, arguing against demarcation.
Demarcation Focus
- The demarcation problem involves distinguishing good science from bad science (normative problem) and science from other fields.
- Maarten Boudry focuses on the normative problem, while Massimo Pigliucci emphasizes science's distinct nature but acknowledges interactions.
Science and Supernatural
- Science's ability to address supernatural claims is debated, with some limiting science to the natural domain.
- Massimo Pigliucci argues some supernatural claims are testable while others, like an amorphous God hypothesis, are not.
