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Affiliation(s)

Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Micro/Nano-Photonic/Electronic System Integration, Hangzhou, China
Westlake University, Hangzhou, China

ABSTRACT

Defining science and demarcating it from pseudoscience are longstanding core issues in the philosophy of science. Hilbert’s traditional axiomatic standards (consistency, completeness, independence) struggle with modern complex systems, while existing demarcation criteria like replicability and Popper’s falsificationism have practical limitations. Analyzing incompatibilities in complex systems, this paper proposes a revised framework: modified Hilbert axiomatic standards (clearly defined concepts, logical consistency, unrefuted axioms) and dynamic demarcation criteria. Abandoning unattainable traditional requirements of completeness and independence, it emphasizes conceptual clarity, openness, and progressiveness, offering an operational, self-consistent basis for judging scientificity.

KEYWORDS

scientific standards, axiomatic system, demarcation problem, logical consistency, dynamic criteria

Cite this paper

CUI Weicheng. (2026). A New Proposal for Scientific Standards: Modified Hilbert Axiomatic Standards and Dynamic Demarcation Criteria. Philosophy Study, Jan.-Feb. 2026, Vol. 16, No. 1, 30-44.

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