On the problem of demarcation

Abstract

Since its publication, there has been no lack of attacks directed against the criterion of refutability - the solution proposed by Popper for his problem of demarcation. A more fundamental criticism is raised in the present paper: its target is the problem of demarcation itself. It is shown first that Popper's work contains not one, but two distinct and incompatible problems of demarcation. An analysis of Popper's anti-essentialism is the starting point for the demonstration of the main thesis of the paper, namely, the thesis that the problem of demarcation should be dismissed, given that it is part of a scientistic approach to the question of the value of the sciences.