A gradualist perspective on the frontier of science

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33871/27639657.2025.5.2.10894

Keywords:

Science, Pseudoscience, Epistemology

Abstract

Challenging the traditional pursuit of a sharp demarcation between science and pseudoscience, this review analyzes D. Bárdos and A. T. Tuboly’s Science, pseudoscience, and the demarcation problem (Cambridge University Press, 2025). The work revisits the demarcation question, moving beyond classical frameworks like K. Popper’s by proposing a gradualist, multi-criteria model. This approach conceptualizes the distinction as an epistemic continuum, integrating both epistemological and social values into the analysis. While acknowledging the conceptual boldness and contemporary relevance of the argument, the review notes that the model's level of abstraction may limit its practical applicability within decision-making contexts.

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Author Biography

Fábio Luiz Nunes, Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG)

Brazilian researcher. He holds a Master's degree and is a PhD candidate in Linguistic Studies at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). He holds a Specialist Certificate in Didactics, Teaching Practices, and Educational Technologies from the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM), and in Rhetoric and Discourse Analysis in Advertising and Publicity from the University of Araraquara. He earned his degree in Psychology from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais. He is a technical-administrative staff member at the Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG). Lattes CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/3054450943770058. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0784-1921. Email: fabio.nunes.fln@cefetmg.br.

References

BACON, F. Novum organum: or true suggestions for the interpretation of nature. Ed. Joseph Devey. New York (Estados Unidos da América): P. F. Collier & Son, 1902 [1620]. Disponível em: https://oll-resources.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/oll3/store/titles/1432/0415_Bk.pdf. Acesso em: 24 jun. 2025.

BÁRDOS, D.; TUBOLY, A. T. Science, pseudoscience, and the demarcation problem. Cambridge (Reino Unido): Cambridge University Press, 2025.

LEBEDEV, S. A. Scientific knowledge: the demarcation problem. European Journal of Philosophical Research, [s. l.], v. 5, n. 1, p. 27-34, 2016.

PIGLIUCCI, M. The demarcation problem: a (belated) response to Laudan. In: PIGLIUCCI, M.; BOUDRY, M. (ed.). Philosophy of pseudoscience: reconsidering the demarcation problem. Chicago (Estados Unidos da América): The University of Chicago Press, 2013. p. 9-28.

SARTENAER, O. A contextualist solution to the demarcation problem. Journal for General Philosophy of Science, [s. l.], v. 55, n. 3, p. 421-439, 2024.

SEPETYI, D. The demarcation problem: Karl Popper’s solution in the contemporary retrospective. Актуальнi проблеми духовностi: збірник наукових праць, [s. l.], n. 25, p. 48-73, 2024.

YABLO, S. The demarcation problem for philosophy. Proceedings and Addresses of the American Philosophical Association, [s. l.], v. 98, p. 289-324, 2024.

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Published

2025-12-18

How to Cite

Nunes, F. L. (2025). A gradualist perspective on the frontier of science. Revista Paranaense De Filosofia, 5(2), 155–161. https://doi.org/10.33871/27639657.2025.5.2.10894

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): RPFilo

Section

Resenhas

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Copyright (c) 2025 Revista Paranaense de Filosofia

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