Relationship between Science and Philosophy - Essay Example

Relationship between Science and Philosophy Relationship between Science and Philosophy Introduction Whereas philosophy and science are often taught in different faculties in institutions of learning, there is evidently a close relationship between the two disciplines. The relationship arises from the fact that philosophy often provides the required justification for scientific theories. This research paper attempts to discuss the relationship that exists between science and philosophy and by use of examples that are witnessed in our daily lives, demonstrate that philosophy has a place in the contemporary world. According to science, a theory has to be made up of consequences that can be tested and falsification done immediately upon obtaining the test results (Psillos, 2007). Similarly, current theories’ results should be consistent with previous ones just as in philosophy too. However, there are no much tests involved when testing to ascertain whether they are similar. Philosophy adds value to us because of its interconnection (direct and indirect) with life both as a methodology and as a worldview. Philosophy is regarded as a special form of consciousness and thus interacts with its other forms by playing the substantiation and interpretation role. It is imperative to understand whether philosophy and science do not necessarily need one another in order to understand their relationship. Some authors believe that science existence is independent of philosophy and that it is scientists who attempt to philosophize their arguments. Authors who are mostly science-biased, of this opinion often portray philosophy as a baseless and vague idea (Bird, 2006). However, the above warning is not applicable to philosophy and specific scientists should not attempt to break their connection with true philosophy because they need one another (Psillos, 2007). Philosophy draws renewed strength from scientific inventions and discoveries and in exchange imparts the worldview and methodology of its universally accepted principles into science. The perceptive forces of philosophers majorly enunciated most ideas that resulted into early scientific discoveries, for example, the Democritus’ idea of the atomic structure. Lucretius, a philosopher, too, suggested natural selection, in the early times but the idea was qualified two centuries later to science by Charles Darwin, a scientist (Psillos, 2007). The hypothesis of the cellular structure of organisms and its formulation of the development of the universe was nurtured by philosophy. Lenin, a philosopher, formulated the principle of inexhaustibility of matter that scientists use as a methodological foundation basis. A part from influencing the development and advancement of specialized fields, philosophy has been enriched by the progress in science. Each scientific discovery implies a positive advancement in favor of philosophy’s worldviews. In fact, most statements made by philosophers are backed by facts that have been proved by scientific research. The scientific achievements are often summed up and generalized in philosophical statements (Psillos, 2007). Galileo and Newton mechanics, the geometry that has influenced the mind of men for quite a long time resulted from human reasoning that has since then triggered intellectual revolution. Scholars are able to understand chemical elements and the structure of matter because of Mendeleyev’s scientific discovery. Genetics has aided philosopher’s understanding of the biological and social aspects of man. Whereas science is more concerned about the biological l relationship that exists among men, philosophy dwells more on the social aspect. The discovery of the science of the laws of development of the human society has changed the people’s views of their position in both the natural and social everyday events. A closer look at social and natural science reveals that construction of hypotheses on scientific researches has often incorporated the principles of worldviews and methodology that are commonly used in philosophy. The relationship between science and philosophy is basically mutual and is characterized by the ever increasing connection to each other. Lately, there have been claims that some scientists think that they do not need philosophy any longer but any theoretical scientist would dismiss such claims. A theoretician knows too well that the results of any theoretical activity cannot become effective without application of philosophical knowledge. Scientists who possess adequate theoretical knowledge have never ignored the important role played by philosophy in their works because they believe that scientific ideas are theoretical in nature, the same way philosophical thoughts are scientific. Philosophy provides scientists with a wider scope of a particular problem and such is expressed in works of various philosophers such as Karl Marx in his book, “Capital” (Psillos, 2007). The common ground of scientific content is always related to philosophy more so in the theory of knowledge. It is this common ground that has continued to link philosophy to the social aspects of scientific inventions and discoveries. During the ancient times, virtually all scientists were philosophers at the same time and every philosopher was a scientist to some extent (Bird, 2006).The connection between philosophical and scientific facts has been growing and so has the social significance of scientific researches. Galileo’s work implied that philosophy and physics, a branch of science, were organically related. At some point, it was accepted that philosophy was a science of sciences and was thus superior to mere science. However, in today’s scientific world, physics is regarded as the most superior branch of science. Science and philosophy are equal partners that aim at the truth by creative thought through philosophy and exploration through scientific research. Philosophy does not attempt to replace science bur provides principles of theoretical thinking to aid in achievement of sound scientific discoveries. Isolation of specialized sciences from philosophy is more like a condemnation to philosophical culture and this has far reaching effects on the conclusions arrived at. The scientists who ignore philosophy are wrapped up in the supremacy wars and think ignoring of philosophical thought may amount to supremacy of science over philosophy. Every scientist, knowingly or unknowingly makes use of results of philosophical thoughts that we all absorb in adopting human thoughts. Philosophy plays a major role in the integration of the role of scientific knowledge when such much sought-after knowledge has been ramified. Science has been ramified to the extent that no single brain can master all its branches and since philosophy is not an abstract science, helps us understand the social aspect of scientific discoveries. Conclusion Science and philosophy mutually depend on one another. There are questions that cannot be purely answered by pure science but scientific philosophy. Solutions to some of our present day problems do not only depend on philosophical orientations but the political aspect of each nation’s citizens and the nature of the social structure by extension. The two, (science and philosophy) aid in creative thoughts and exploration to attain the truth. Philosophy does not attempt to replace science but offers principles of theoretical thinking. Consequently, philosophy has an important position in the scientific world. References Bird, A. (2006). Philosophy of science. London: UCL Press. Nola, R. and Irzık, G. (2005). Philosophy, science, education and culture. Dordrecht: Springer. Psillos, S. (2007). Philosophy of science A-Z. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Read More