Knowledge, Philosophy & Scientific Research Methods

Philosophical Perspectives on Knowledge

According to Aristotle, knowledge originates from the five senses, followed by imagination and fantasy, culminating in understanding.

Key Philosophical Stances

• Subjectivism: Focuses on the individual subject's perception and experience.
• Objectivism: Focuses on the object or external reality, independent of the subject.
• Micro-Macro Cosmic Perspective: Views the universe as interconnected, emphasizing a deeper, more humble understanding without inherent distinctions between scales.
• Rationalism: Posits reason as the primary source of knowledge, often associated with exact sciences.
• Criticism (Critical Philosophy): Represents an attempt to reconcile and transcend both rationalism and empiricism. While acknowledging that all knowledge begins with experience, it asserts that not all knowledge is exhausted by it, and pure empiricism alone cannot yield universal certainty.

Understanding Scientific Research

The Essence of Research

Research is an authentic act of inquiry, a fundamental human drive to investigate, inquire, and learn. Humanity is inherently driven to seek the meaning of things.

Key Aspects of Inquiry

• Developing an initial notion of the subject.
• Broadening the horizon of significance.

Characteristics of Scientific Research

• Systematic: Follows a detailed plan and order, driven by the intention to discover truth.
• Objective: Establishes facts, relationships, or explanations valid for any observer.

Scientific research is performed on a clearly defined subject in order to reach well-defined goals. It relies on appropriate sources and recent works on the same topic. The ultimate goal is to achieve a unified understanding.

Objectives of Scientific Research

• To meet intellectual needs at a strictly human level.
• To extend existing knowledge about a given topic.
• To deepen concepts, theses, and scientific arguments.
• To verify or re-examine known truths.

General Research Methods

The Concept of Method

A method is a path or proper procedure to achieve a specific purpose. Without a method, one risks falling into a labyrinth of disorder, discouragement, and frustration.

Advantages of Using a Method

A method saves effort for tentative beginners by leveraging the experience and insights of others who have navigated similar research circumstances.

Analytical Method

The analytical method distinguishes the parts of a whole and involves the orderly review of each of these elements separately.

Synthetic Method

The synthetic method consists of integrating different elements that had been discussed earlier, relating events that seemed disconnected.

Key Steps in Research Methodology

These four steps are fundamental in many research processes:

1. Observation & Analysis: Examination of individual cases.
2. Induction: Formulation of a universal law or principle.
3. Deduction: Application of the law to individual cases.
4. Synthesis: Integration of seemingly disparate truths into a unified understanding.

Justification of Research

This section outlines the anticipated benefits, the usefulness of the study, and the criteria for assessing the potential value of an investigation:

1. Social Relevance
2. Practical Implications
3. Technical Value