Philosophy of science
The philosophy of science is a branch of philosophy focused on examining the fundamental beliefs, processes, and logic underpinning scientific inquiry and knowledge. This field of study investigates how scientific knowledge is formulated, validated, and understood, often intersecting with both philosophical questions and scientific practice. Throughout history, philosophy and science have evolved together, with early thinkers like Aristotle contributing to both domains, exploring the nature of knowledge and the workings of the universe simultaneously.
Philosophers of science tackle questions about the existence and definition of natural laws, the methods used in scientific inquiry, and the criteria for proving or disproving scientific theories. Key concepts in this field include epistemology, which examines the nature of knowledge and truth in science, and empirical evidence, which is knowledge acquired through observation. Philosophers also debate the effectiveness of different knowledge-gathering methods, such as induction, deduction, and falsification. Additionally, they analyze the evolution of scientific thought through paradigms—widely accepted frameworks that can shape research for extended periods—and revolutions that lead to significant shifts in scientific understanding. Overall, the philosophy of science provides critical insights into how we comprehend the world through scientific exploration.
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Philosophy of science
The philosophy of science is a field of study that analyzes the definition, beliefs, logic, workings, and results of science. Science and philosophy are both ancient studies that take different approaches to answering important questions about life and the world. These studies have been linked in many ways throughout history. For hundreds of years, people have used philosophical techniques and theories to study science and scientific knowledge. Philosophers of science study the laws of science, the methods employed by scientists, the knowledge gained through scientific means, and the progress of science throughout history.
Background
Philosophy and science are two kinds of study in which people attempt to answer important questions about life and the world. Both occupations have existed for thousands of years and have developed greatly over time. Both have allowed humanity to reach new heights of understanding and achievement that have changed history in countless ways. However, philosophy and science have many differences as well.
Philosophy involves searching for answers using reason, or deep and careful thinking. Philosophers usually consider very difficult questions dealing with the meaning, nature, and function of life. They may seek to determine the nature of knowledge itself, or the principles and morals by which people live and act. Philosophers can be important teachers and cultural guides, although most of the topics they investigate cannot be described with certainty, and most of their theories cannot be proven as factually right or wrong.
Science is a branch of study that searches for answers using facts and laws. Scientists may approach questions of many varieties and scales, ranging from the workings of microscopic atoms to the mysteries of the entire universe. They approach these problems with different techniques, most commonly observation and experimentation. Unlike philosophers, scientists generally deal with fact-based questions. Science seeks to find concrete and definite answers to these questions, and prove theories to be factually right or wrong.
In ancient times, philosophy and science often overlapped. Scientific knowledge and technology at the time were poorly developed. People had very limited means of investigating questions with sound science. Instead, they generally turned to a more philosophical approach, using their minds to devise satisfying—although factually inaccurate—explanations for the mysteries they pondered.
In time, both philosophy and science developed greatly. Philosophers developed theories that helped to mold and guide the human spirit. Scientists provided inventions and discoveries that elevated humanity to new heights. The two fields of study also met in a separate field of philosophy, the philosophy of science, which attempted to use reasoning and mental investigation to analyze the increasingly complex nature of science.
Overview
The philosophy of science is a branch of philosophy that seeks to analyze the essential beliefs, workings, and logic of science and scientific knowledge. The philosophy of science is a very complex study with many branches and fields of inquiry. Many of the people who engage in this study are active in both philosophy and science, using their familiarity with scientific ideas to form and investigate philosophical questions.
The first major practitioner of the philosophy of science was likely Aristotle of ancient Greece. Like many philosophers of science in modern times, Aristotle practiced both fields of study at the same time. He took on groundbreaking scientific studies of the stars and planets, physics (motion), the biology of living things, and many other topics. He also pursued many related philosophical studies, including investigations into the nature of knowledge and the workings of human thought. His thinking helped to expand investigations into science and philosophy in many areas and on many levels.
Some questions in the philosophy of science relate to assumptions that are generally accepted in science. For example, many scientists accept the existence of laws of nature, or essential "rules" underlying the many varied aspects of nature. A philosopher might question whether these laws truly exist, and, if they do, what they are and how they can be defined.
Other questions in the philosophy of science investigate the methods used by scientists. For instance, scientists often perform experiments to gather data and evidence to prove or disprove theories. A philosopher might ask how much evidence is necessary to prove or disprove a theory. The philosopher might also consider the relationships between data that actually results from the experiment versus data that occurs accidentally during an experiment, and how these kinds of data can be judged.
Many philosophers of science disagree on philosophical theories and findings, as well as the true nature and definition of science itself. However, most of these philosophers of science do observe a number of main concepts to help guide their studies. One of the fundamental concepts is epistemology, which is the study of the exact nature of knowledge itself. A study of epistemology might inquire why and how scientists accept an idea as a truth, or how they can explain their decision and make others accept that idea as true.
Other guiding concepts in the philosophy of science relate to the ways scientists gather their knowledge. Much knowledge in science comes from empirical evidence. Empirical means gathered by senses and observation. Other knowledge is derived from reasoning, including inductive and deductive reasoning. Some philosophers have suggested other forms of knowledge gathering. One of these is falsification, a method of discovering knowledge by proving that other opposing ideas are false. Philosophers may investigate and debate which means of gathering knowledge are most effective or yield the most accurate truths.
Another important occupation of philosophers of science is to analyze the progress and stages of science throughout history. Philosophers often refer to concepts such as paradigms and revolutions. Paradigms are accepted ways of thinking about science and performing scientific research. Paradigms may last for years or even centuries, even if they are later proven to be inaccurate or ineffective. Periods of great scientific discovery are often called revolutions because they can remove long-standing paradigms and introduce new models for scientific understanding.
Bibliography
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Humphreys, Paul, editor. The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Science. Oxford UP, 2016.
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Stemwedel, Janet D. "What Is Philosophy of Science (and Should Scientists Care)?" Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2014, blogs.scientificamerican.com/doing-good-science/what-is-philosophy-of-science-and-should-scientists-care/. Accessed 29 Dec. 2017.