Science vs. Philosophy
Difference between Science and Philosophy: – Undoubtedly, there is a clear distinction between philosophy and science.
The problem is that often confusion lies among the two because of their interrelationship; both concepts can be a bit confusing for many; especially since there are many discussions around them.
In spite of everything, in the majority of the cases, science assists philosophy and vice versa.
Difference between Science and Philosophy
Science
Speaking figuratively, science is more like the human mind, while philosophy could compare to the human heart. Science, in general, tries to understand and explain natural phenomena.
It is more concerned with empirical evidence and testable hypotheses.
By “empirical”, it is understood “that they can be observed or experienced”. On the contrary, philosophy is more abstract.
However, in general terms, philosophy is a branch of thinking that uses reasoning to analyze problems related to
- metaphysics
- logic
- epistemology
- language
- ethics
- aesthetics
- disciplines
Science uses methods to understand and explain phenomena.
It is oriented to predict (from its discoveries) how the phenomena will behave in the future and how they were in the past.
Science is very objective, focuses on the immediate reality of the human being, and demands much more rigor than philosophy.
In science, theories are happening or changing by others, as new discoveries are made; contrary to philosophy, where this does not always occur.
Philosophy
Philosophy arises first that science, uses questions and a series of analyzes through logical and dialectical arguments.
Therefore, philosophy works by performing logical analyzes that have to reason as an instrument.
Science is different because it makes use of evidence and hypotheses that can be studied empirically.
This differentiates the processes that follow both, allowing them to work in an interdependent way and thus achieve better results.
Philosophy improves, addresses, and opposes certain notions or positions that have emerged from it,
such as today’s concepts (i.e., utilitarianism). It shows the principles that must be correct.
These principles are not really correct or true, but seek to improve the human condition. It even shows people how they should or can act.
How can philosophy help to clarify or explain the issues in question?
As such, philosophy helps answer questions that could not be answered simply through experimentation and observation.
It bases its explanations on the arguments and principles.
Science instead, uses its scientific methodology and through it is able to acquire more knowledge; because of experimentation and observation.
For Further Reading
Key Differences between Science and Philosophy
- Science is more objective, but philosophy is more abstract.
- Science follows research methods, while in philosophy one makes use of reason.
- Philosophy serves as a guide for people, while science seeks to explain the phenomena that affect people.
- In science, theories are replaced by others when new discoveries that deny the former occur, whereas in philosophy this does not necessarily have to be given.
- Science bases its explanations on observation and experimentation, while philosophy is based on discussions and principles.
- Philosophy makes use of logical and dialectical arguments, while science uses tests and hypotheses.
