Humanity and Knowledge: Philosophy vs. Science

Posted on Nov 21, 2024 in Philosophy and ethics

Humanity and Existence

What do we need to know about our existence? Philosophy arises from the desire to understand our existence and find meaning. It’s a humanizing task that elevates us beyond mere animality.

Human vs. Animal

  • Humans: Adaptation, future-thinking, flexibility, freedom, purpose.
  • Animals: Necessity, survival, stimulus-response, instinct, routine.

Animals live immersed in immediate needs, while humans reflect on the past and project into the future.

Facing Reality

A fundamental difference lies in how we face reality. Animals have a practical attitude, focused on survival. Humans question reality, seeking meaning beyond mere subsistence.

Approaches to Reality

  • Mythical narratives
  • Philosophical reflections
  • Scientific explanations

Knowledge and Inquiry

Deduction is used in mathematics and logic, drawing conclusions from known facts. Induction generalizes from known facts, but never achieves absolute certainty.

The hypothetico-deductive method in science involves forming hypotheses and testing them. Scientific theories are always tentative and subject to revision.

Philosophy vs. Science

Philosophy is not science. Science focuses on observable and measurable phenomena, while philosophy explores broader questions beyond empirical observation.

Distinctions

  • Art: Not rational
  • Literature: Explanatory models of reality
  • Religion: Dogmatic beliefs
  • Philosophy: Rational, critical inquiry
  • Science: Rational, verifiable

Myth and Reason

Mythical thinking uses anthropomorphic explanations, attributing human qualities to natural elements. Rational thinking emerged in Greece around the 6th century BCE.

Logos

Logos means word or reason, representing rational discourse in philosophy and science.

Philosophy and Religion

Both seek answers to fundamental questions. Religion relies on dogma, while philosophy uses critical reasoning.

Doubt and Philosophy

Philosophizing involves questioning certainties and embracing uncertainty. Doubt is a call for reflection, not a flaw.

Science and Knowledge

Science began its emancipation from philosophy around 400 years ago with the experimental method. Both philosophy and science study nature and society.

Scientific Revolution

The 16th and 17th centuries saw a scientific revolution, emphasizing systematic, exact, rational, and verifiable knowledge.