Scientific Method of philosophizing

Introduction

The learner demonstrates various ways of doing philosophy

Objectives

1. Distinguish opinion from truth

2. Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth
3. Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of
philosophizing.

Activity

In your science class, you already know that when salt and sugar are dissolved in water,
they form a homogenous solution. On the other hand, sand combined with water forms a
heterogeneous mixture.

Analysis

What process led you to know that?

 Abstraction

Doing experiments are standard in science classes. In the example given above, knowing
whether a mixture is heterogeneous or homogenous can easily be done just be performing a
simple test. This lesson involves the process of experimentation and observation referred to as
the scientific method of philosophizing.

Scientific Method of Philosophizing

The Scientific Method
The term “science” is derived from the Latin word sciential that means “to produce
knowledge.”
The Scientific method, also called empirical method, is a process of determining truth or
knowledge through experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or
theory testing.
The Scientific method could trace its history from the Classical period with Aristotle
giving the earliest structured theory on the scientific approach.
The process begins with an idea about any given topic. Hypothesis testing is done to
prove the validity of this idea.
In a philosophical view, the means of hypothesis testing and its results are considered the
most important feature of the method.
The scientific method also values observation as an important aspect because it
contributes to further understanding the results of the hypothesis testing.

Examples of Scientific Method of Philosophizing

In exposing one plant to sunlight while limiting the exposure of another is done to test
which setting promotes better plant growth
Testing and quantifying morality, love, mercy, justice, or compassion which is all
realities that do not dwell in the realm of materialism.

Both the Socratic Method and dialectic method are based on a discussion between two or
more people who have differing views, but wish to pursue the truth by seeking agreement with
one another.
The Scientific method is a process of determining truth or knowledge through
experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or theory testing.

Opinion and Truth

It is important to remember that the scientific method involves only the truth. However,
differentiating between the two is still important.
An opinion is a personal view formed about a particular matter. An example of this
would be your take on who among your science teachers is the best.
 Truth is something that has actual and proven existence regardless of one’s opinion. For
example, raspberry plants that receive the most water grow the biggest.
Opinion and Truth
Analyse the given situation. Distinguish the opinion from the truth.
Statement A Statement B
In the midst of advanced knowledge and Country X’s law, as rooted in the belief in an
sophisticated technologies, no man at present inalienable right to live, disallows its citizens
can bring a dead person back to life. to take their own lives; however, euthanasia
becomes an exception when a citizen is
considered a bad person.
Situation A reveals the truth because it is proven scientifically.
Situation B expresses an opinion because it is a personal view about the topic.

The Scientific Method leads to Wisdom and Truth

The scientific method leads to wisdom and truth because it uses an evidence-based approach to
come up with its conclusion. In this method, all truths are supported by facts that can easily be
tested or proven again through experiments, logical reasoning, or observation. The knowledge
and truth gained from the scientific method are assured to come from valid conclusions.

My classmates does not believe that condensed milk can turn into caramel sauce

Why does my classmate refuse to consider the transformative properties of condensed milk?

If I show her the process of making caramel sauce, then she would believe.

With my classmate, I placed a can of condensed milk in a pan of boiling water. I left it there for
3 hours (stove top still on), ensuring that the whole can is completely submerged in water at all
times. Once done, I turned off the stove and removed the can from the pan with water.

I opened the can with my classmate. In it, the condensed milk changed into a silky golden brown
colour and tasted recognizably of caramel.

My classmate believed me because I showed her proof through the experiment

Tips
 The scientific method should always be concluded with supporting evidence. However,
ideas to be tested may or may not be derived from existing facts.
 The use of observation in the scientific method is a critical aspect of supporting empirical
conclusions. Be sure that all your senses are actively engaged to observe during
experimentation.

Key points
 The scientific method or empirical method is a process of determining truth or knowledge
through experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning and hypothesis or theory
testing.
 Application

Observe the environment around you. Do you have any question about how things work? Do you
have your hypothesis about it? Try to devise your own experiment to generate an answer to your
question. You may also use your observational skills to further define the problem at hand. If you
are unable to devise your own experiment, you can visit some websites that can show you videos
or lessons about your topic of interest. Remember to observe the process presented to you.

What do you think?

Why is the scientific method more recognized in the discipline of science than in philosophy?
What is the difference between the scientific method in philosophy and in the physical science?

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REFERENCES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak2CMYFW6Vc