Philosophy, Science, and Epistemology: Key Concepts

Philosophy: Understanding Knowledge Through Reason

Philosophy, as a form of knowledge acquired through the use of reason, inquires into the fundamental nature of all things.

Characteristics of Philosophy

• It wonders about the nature of all real knowledge.
• It is radical, rational, and critical.
• It challenges dogmatism.

Functions of Philosophy

• Interdisciplinary: It connects various fields of study.
• Critical: It analyzes and evaluates assumptions.
• Abstract: It develops reasoning beyond the immediate and concrete.
• Practical: It is oriented towards human action.
• Radical: It deals with ultimate questions.

Science: Explaining and Predicting Phenomena

Science attempts to explain phenomena, predict outcomes, and control processes. Scientific knowledge is rational, systematic, and testable, meaning it can be compared with reality. It is also intersubjective, meaning it is knowable by everyone.

Types of Science

• Empirical Sciences: Study observable facts verified through observation. They use the hypothetical-deductive method. Empirical sciences are divided into:
  • Natural Sciences: Study the physical world.
  • Social and Human Sciences: Study human beings.
• Formal Sciences: Study abstract concepts, such as mathematics, and use the axiomatic-deductive method.

Structure of Scientific Theories

• Hypothesis: A provisional explanation of a phenomenon that requires testing.
• Theory: A tested explanation that incorporates laws and serves as a model.
• Law: A mathematically formalized expression of a phenomenon with universal value.
• Model: Allows us to intuitively grasp a complex reality.

Scientific Methods

• Deductive Method: Proceeds from the general to the particular. It is characteristic of formal sciences and is used to construct valid arguments. It does not require demonstration and is not always applicable to the real world.
• Hypothetical-Deductive Method:
  1. Observation of a fact.
  2. Formulation of a hypothesis.
  3. Deduction of the consequences of the hypothesis.
  4. Verification or testing of the consequences deduced from the hypothesis.
  5. Confirmation of the hypothesis (if it fails, the process is repeated).

Epistemology or Philosophy of Science

Epistemology studies how scientific knowledge is produced. It:

• Extracts the philosophical implications of major scientific theories.
• Examines the assumptions upon which scientific endeavors are built.
• Considers matters strictly scientific in each era.

Technology: Rational Human Action

Technology is a rational human activity that transforms, controls, and utilizes reality for its own purposes.