Scientoism may be defined as:
The widely accepted academic identity characterized by a ‘rational’ or ‘pseudo-rational’ approach to various materials, which approach incorporates many external features of ‘science’, such as strict methodology, counting and measuring, use of statistics, use of arcane professional jargon, extensive use of references, etc., all of which are common and legitimate academic practices perceived as self-evident.
Scientoism differs from scientism in that it does not refer to pseudo science such as flying saucer research, but rather to an accepted standard Academic practice that serves to maintain Academia as a prestigious social establishment. Thus, scientoism establishes the legitimacy and objectivity of Academia as a “scientific” enterprise.