Paraconsistent Demarcationism

A demarcation framework that allows for scientific theories to contain genuine contradictions without immediately being labeled unscientific. It draws on paraconsistent logic and examples like early quantum mechanics (wave-particle duality) or dialectical theories (capitalism’s contradictions). Paraconsistent demarcationism holds that a theory can be productive and empirically adequate even if it violates classical logic. The key is not absence of contradiction but how the theory manages contradictions—whether it is progressive or degenerating. It challenges the Popperian idea that falsification alone suffices.

Example: “Paraconsistent demarcationism accepts that light is both wave and particle—a contradiction—yet quantum theory is scientific. Thus, contradictions are not automatic disqualifiers; what matters is empirical success and problem-solving ability.”

Paraconsistent Demarcationism by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal June 1, 2026