Understanding the Classification of Scientific Disciplines

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The Nature of Scientific Knowledge

Knowledge of science is rational, systematic, accurate, verifiable, and therefore fallible. It is the systematically ordered body of knowledge about the universe, obtained by observation and reasoning, allowing the deduction of general laws and principles.

The sciences are divided by their object or subject of study into three categories: formal sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.

Formal Sciences

Formal sciences are based on logical reasoning and work with ideas created by the human mind. Their primary method is the logical-deductive method. This category includes mathematics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, and philosophy.

Key Properties of Formal Sciences:

  • Ideal Objects: The subjects of study are abstract concepts.
  • Deductive Nature: Knowledge is derived from postulates or theorems.
  • Consistency: The criterion of truth is based on logical consistency or the absence of contradiction.
  • Analytic Results: All statements are analytic.
  • Symbolic Relations: They establish relations between signs.
  • Logical Proof: They use logic to prove theorems.

Natural Sciences (Factual Sciences)

Natural sciences, also known as factual sciences, are based on observable facts of nature. This category includes biology, physics, and chemistry. These disciplines utilize the Experimental Scientific Method and the Hypothetical-Deductive method to develop reliable, well-organized knowledge.

Core Disciplines:

  • Biology: The study of life and living organisms.
  • Physics: The study of energy transformations and its relationship with matter.
  • Chemistry: The study of the transformations of matter.

Key Properties of Natural Sciences:

  • Material Objects: The subjects of study are physical and observable.
  • Empirical Method: The primary methods are observation and experimentation, supported by deduction.
  • Verification: The criterion of truth is empirical verification.
  • Synthetic Statements: Statements are predominantly synthetic, though analytic statements may exist.