Related questions:
INTRODUCTION
Could there be a relationship existing between philosophy and science? What are those principles that connect and separate the “philosophic-scientific” discoveries? These pregnant questions require answers, and this is what we intend to evaluate in this write-up.
SCIENCE: DEFINITION
Science can be defined as “the branch of knowledge which requires systematic study and method, especially dealing with substances, life and natural laws. Its etymology is the Latin word “scientia” which literally means “to know”.
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy does not have “a” definition, but “the” definitions of philosophy are numerous, as each philosopher defines philosophy from his private point of view. Nonetheless, there are general consensuses for defining philosophy; and for the purpose of this write-up, the definition of “philosophy as the search for truth” is ideal and very much relevant. This definition is Epistemological in Essence.
SCIENCE AND ITS ROOT IN PHILOSOPHY
Considering the origin and history of the philosophical enterprise, the first philosophers where also scientists, as they postulated scientific theories aside their original philosophical discoveries. A clear example is that of “Thales” –the first philosopher; whom aside his postulation of “water” as the unifying element of the universe, also predicted an eclipse of the sun in 585 B.C.
SUBJECT MATTER OF SCIENCE
The basic subject matter of the scientific enterprise has been divided into four parts, thus;
i. Astronomy
This focuses on the study of the cosmic and celestial bodies like the sun, stars and so on, in terms of constituents, position, movement, nature and size.
ii. Physics
This is mainly concerned with matters relating to “energy”. Its study is grouped into, seven parts “mechanics”, “optics”, “wave”, “electricity”, “magnetism”, “motion” and “general physics”.
iii. Chemistry
This is concerned with the support of man's life and existence. It focuses on the reactions that occur between substances, as well as the observation of man’s environment.
iv. Biology
This is the study of the make-up of living things, like plants and animals. It focuses on movement, reproduction, nutrition, growth, excretion, irritability and so on.
SUBJECT MATTER OF PHILOSOPHY
The philosophical enterprise comprises of the following;
i. Metaphysics
This is the study of reality and being in all ramifications.
ii. Epistemology
This is the critical evaluation of all our claims to knowledge.
iii. Ethics
This is the normative science of human conduct and behaviour.
iv. Logic
This is the philosophical tool for critical analysis and right reason.
v. The Infrastructure of Disciplines
This is the philosophy of other disciplines, which exemplifies the motherly efforts of philosophy to make them better.
METHODOLOGY OF SCIENCE
Methods or methodology in science is not a settled matter among philosophers of science. However, some of them are;
i. Induction and deduction.
ii. Hypothesis, research and experiment.
iii. Generalisation.
iv. Observation.
v. Prediction and precision.
vi. Proliferation of theories.
METHODOLOGY OF PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is not all that concerned with methods, as any one which gives room for rational enquiry is acceptable. Nevertheless, some of them are;
i. Scepticism.
ii. Critical thinking.
iii. Deduction.
iv. Dialectics.
v. Asking of fundamental questions.
vi. Logical reasoning and argumentation.
THE UNITING FACTOR: PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
The “Philosophy of science” as an infrastructure of discipline, represents the “quest for knowledge” which is the bolt that ties philosophy and science together. It is science that does the search for knowledge while philosophy queries and refines it.
THE DIVIDING FACTOR: EMPIRICISM VERSUS RATIONALISM
The major dividing factor between both disciplines is that the methods and subject matter of “philosophy” is rationally grounded; while that of “science” is empirically or factually grounded.
CONCLUSION
The very fact that science is deeply rooted in philosophy is enough to prove their inseparable relationship. Nevertheless, it is the empirical nature of the scientific enterprise that has positioned the scientist to want to solve problems, while the rational nature of the philosophical enterprise has aligned the philosopher to want to create more problems in surplus.
- With methods and subject matter, critically evaluate what divides and unites the sciences and philosophy.
- Carry out an overview of science, showing what unites or divides the sciences and philosophy.
INTRODUCTION
Could there be a relationship existing between philosophy and science? What are those principles that connect and separate the “philosophic-scientific” discoveries? These pregnant questions require answers, and this is what we intend to evaluate in this write-up.
SCIENCE: DEFINITION
Science can be defined as “the branch of knowledge which requires systematic study and method, especially dealing with substances, life and natural laws. Its etymology is the Latin word “scientia” which literally means “to know”.
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy does not have “a” definition, but “the” definitions of philosophy are numerous, as each philosopher defines philosophy from his private point of view. Nonetheless, there are general consensuses for defining philosophy; and for the purpose of this write-up, the definition of “philosophy as the search for truth” is ideal and very much relevant. This definition is Epistemological in Essence.
SCIENCE AND ITS ROOT IN PHILOSOPHY
Considering the origin and history of the philosophical enterprise, the first philosophers where also scientists, as they postulated scientific theories aside their original philosophical discoveries. A clear example is that of “Thales” –the first philosopher; whom aside his postulation of “water” as the unifying element of the universe, also predicted an eclipse of the sun in 585 B.C.
SUBJECT MATTER OF SCIENCE
The basic subject matter of the scientific enterprise has been divided into four parts, thus;
i. Astronomy
This focuses on the study of the cosmic and celestial bodies like the sun, stars and so on, in terms of constituents, position, movement, nature and size.
ii. Physics
This is mainly concerned with matters relating to “energy”. Its study is grouped into, seven parts “mechanics”, “optics”, “wave”, “electricity”, “magnetism”, “motion” and “general physics”.
iii. Chemistry
This is concerned with the support of man's life and existence. It focuses on the reactions that occur between substances, as well as the observation of man’s environment.
iv. Biology
This is the study of the make-up of living things, like plants and animals. It focuses on movement, reproduction, nutrition, growth, excretion, irritability and so on.
SUBJECT MATTER OF PHILOSOPHY
The philosophical enterprise comprises of the following;
i. Metaphysics
This is the study of reality and being in all ramifications.
ii. Epistemology
This is the critical evaluation of all our claims to knowledge.
iii. Ethics
This is the normative science of human conduct and behaviour.
iv. Logic
This is the philosophical tool for critical analysis and right reason.
v. The Infrastructure of Disciplines
This is the philosophy of other disciplines, which exemplifies the motherly efforts of philosophy to make them better.
METHODOLOGY OF SCIENCE
Methods or methodology in science is not a settled matter among philosophers of science. However, some of them are;
i. Induction and deduction.
ii. Hypothesis, research and experiment.
iii. Generalisation.
iv. Observation.
v. Prediction and precision.
vi. Proliferation of theories.
METHODOLOGY OF PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is not all that concerned with methods, as any one which gives room for rational enquiry is acceptable. Nevertheless, some of them are;
i. Scepticism.
ii. Critical thinking.
iii. Deduction.
iv. Dialectics.
v. Asking of fundamental questions.
vi. Logical reasoning and argumentation.
THE UNITING FACTOR: PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
The “Philosophy of science” as an infrastructure of discipline, represents the “quest for knowledge” which is the bolt that ties philosophy and science together. It is science that does the search for knowledge while philosophy queries and refines it.
THE DIVIDING FACTOR: EMPIRICISM VERSUS RATIONALISM
The major dividing factor between both disciplines is that the methods and subject matter of “philosophy” is rationally grounded; while that of “science” is empirically or factually grounded.
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CONCLUSION
The very fact that science is deeply rooted in philosophy is enough to prove their inseparable relationship. Nevertheless, it is the empirical nature of the scientific enterprise that has positioned the scientist to want to solve problems, while the rational nature of the philosophical enterprise has aligned the philosopher to want to create more problems in surplus.
