Introduction an Philosophy of Science

 

INTRODUCTION 

Philosophy of Science is the name given to that branch of philosophy that reflects on and critically analyzes science. As a discipline, it tries to understand the aims and methods of science, along with is principles, practices, and achievements.

FIVE BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy can be divided into five branches which address the following questions; Metaphysics, What’s out there? Epistemology, how do I know about it? Ethics, what should are permissible? Politics, what actions are permissible? Aesthetics, what can life be like? At the root is Metaphysics, the study of existence and the nature of existence. Closely related is Epistemology, the study of knowledge and how we know about reality and existence. Dependent on Epistemology is Ethics, the study of how man should act. Ethics is dependent on Epistemology because it is impossible to make choices without knowledge. A subset of Ethics is Politics: the study of how men should interact in a proper society and what constitutes proper. Esthetics, the study of art and sense of life is slightly separate, but depends on Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Ethics.

 PHILOSOPHICAL METHODS

Philosophical methods is the study and description of how to “do” Philosophy, arguably the “Mother” of all the Arts and Sciences. The basic feature of such a method is the questioning of "given" things, or things assumed to be true. The method also has to do with one's motivation in studying Philosophy or Science. We often find ourselves believing things we do not understand, whether a God, our own Subjectivity, Nature, Society, or Ethics. We may not even understand why we believe something, and so, philosophical method is a way of getting deeper. For example: How do somethings cause other things? What is my Mind? What is Reality? What is Beauty? Why should I be good?

 PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS

Philosophical questions tend to concern what is and what should be and also how we can know, what is and what should be-that is, they tend to be about metaphysics, ethics and epistemology. They are the questions kids ask: "Why?" and "Why should I?" and "How do you know?” Philosophical questions typically look like they are not objective such that we know just what it would take to figure out the one right answer, not subjective such that the answer depends just on whatever someone thinks about it, and difficult. As we discover agreed-upon methods for finding objective answers to questions, they tend to migrate into the sciences and become "easy"--just kidding, scientists! But philosophers do agree a lot about better and worse ways (methods) of answering philosophical questions and about better and worse answers and defenses of them. Some philosophers think that some questions (such as what is good or just) are relative or subjective, or that some questions are unanswerable or badly formed, but they agree that reaching such conclusions requires good arguments. Philosophical questions tend to be important. They seek answers that are fundamental (hence underlying many of our, and our society's, other beliefs and our, and our society's, actions and policies) and comprehensive (aiming to unify our  beliefs and actions into a coherent whole).

https://owlcation.com/humanities/100-Philosophical-Questions-that-Make-You-Think-and-Discuss

 

THE VALUE OF PHILOSOPHY

What is the value of philosophy? Here are some possible answers. First, it’s natural to wonder, to be inquisitive. We are marvelous philosophers who never tire of asking questions. However, you may reply that we have no duty to do what’s natural, or that you don’t find it natural to philosophize. Second, philosophizing is pleasurable. We find joy in asking questions and considering possibilities. Perhaps that is why Plato called philosophizing “that dear delight.” Nonetheless, you might counter that it doesn’t suit your tastes. Third, we appeal to philosophy’s usefulness. Any kind of knowledge is potentially useful, and if philosophy engenders a bit of knowledge and wisdom, then it’s worthwhile. Nevertheless, you may not value wisdom or knowledge unless it brings material rewards. Finally, we might argue that philosophical (critical) thinking protects us against unsupported ideology, unjustified authority, unfounded beliefs, baseless propaganda, and questionable cultural values. These forces may manipulate us if we can’t think critically about them. This doesn’t require a rejection of these various ideas, beliefs, and values, only a reflection on them. Otherwise, they aren’t our values, ideas, or beliefs—we have accepted them second-hand. To this you might respond that reflection is laborious, that ignorance is bliss, and that trust in authority and tradition maintain culture.

CONCLUSION

Science and Philosophy require examination of both knowledge and understanding. It is important to understand the ideological differences of different scientific and philosophical schools and incorporate portions of each in your individual philosophy. Utilizing a philosophy that constantly questions assumptions will help us evolve as a nurse.