Újra a demarkációs problémáról
The Demarcation Problem Revisited

Summary/Abstract: The so-called demarcation problem, i.e. that problem of demarcating science from non-science, is one of the central problems of 20th century philosophy of science and related epistemological discourse. While the continuing lack of successful attempts at solving the question has resulted in a gradual loss of interest in the problem, the present social context—booming public susceptibility to ‘pseudo-sciences’—makes the problem more acute than ever. However, the recent interplay between historical, philosophical and sociological approaches has undermined our traditional conception of science, shedding new light on the question of what needs to be demarcated. While traditional attempts were conceived with normative intentions, contemporary discourse is dominated by descriptive voices. Today we know that the problem cannot be solved at one blush, but it does not mean—as Larry Laudan believed—that this is a pseudo-problem: the demarcation problem can gain prominence in philosophy again by admitting that social factors play an important role in epistemology.

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