Is Philosophy a Science? Exploring the Differences Between Science and Knowledge
I’ve carved out some time to dive into a fascinating and important topic: the distinction between science and knowledge, and whether philosophy qualifies as a science. This question matters because we often hear debates about reasoning, logic, and whether philosophy holds the same weight as scientific disciplines. Some dismiss philosophy as “not scientific,” but is that really the case? Let’s explore this together, and by the end, you might be surprised by what we uncover.
Understanding Science: What Does the Dictionary Say?
To kick things off, let’s define our terms. I often turn to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary—not just a dictionary but a bit of an encyclopedia too—for clarity. So, what exactly is science?
The Definition of Science
According to Merriam-Webster, science is:
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- “Knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws, especially as obtained and tested through scientific methods.”
Let’s break that down. Science is described as a form of knowledge—specifically, a structured system of knowledge focused on universal truths or laws. The key here is that it’s tested through the scientific method: observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and validation. But notice something interesting: the definition uses “knowledge” twice to explain science. Does that mean science and knowledge are the same thing? Not quite. This overlap can be confusing, so let’s dig deeper.
Science and the Physical World
The second meaning in Merriam-Webster offers more clarity:
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- “Such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena.”
Here’s where science gets specific. It’s not just any knowledge—it’s knowledge tied to the physical world and observable phenomena. Think of natural sciences like physics or chemistry. This focus on the tangible, measurable aspects of reality is what sets science apart. But does that mean all knowledge must be physical to be valuable? Let’s hold that thought and move to our next term.
Defining Knowledge: Beyond the Physical
Now, let’s look at “knowledge” itself. Again, I’ll refer to Merriam-Webster to guide us.
Knowledge According to the Dictionary
Knowledge is defined in several ways:
- “The fact or condition of knowing something gained through experience.”
- “Acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique.”
- “The fact or condition of being aware of something.”
- “The circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning and cognition.”
These definitions paint a broader picture than science. Knowledge includes experience, awareness, and reasoning—not just the physical world. For example, the third definition talks about awareness or consciousness, while the fourth emphasizes reasoning and cognition to grasp truth. Unlike science, knowledge doesn’t always demand a physical output or observable phenomena. This distinction is crucial as we consider philosophy’s place.
Are Science and Knowledge Interchangeable?
Here’s where it gets tricky. The definition of science calls it a type of knowledge, and one definition of knowledge mentions science. It’s a bit circular, right? Dictionaries can sometimes muddy the waters, as I’ve warned before. But this overlap hints at a relationship: science is a subset of knowledge, but not all knowledge is science. To clarify, let’s explore a linguistic insight from Noam Chomsky.
A Linguistic Perspective: No Two Words Are Truly Synonyms
Noam Chomsky, the renowned linguist, argues that no two words in any language are perfectly synonymous. If they were, one would be redundant and eventually phased out. Take “big” and “large,” for instance. They’re close, but not identical—“big” might feel more casual, while “large” sounds formal. This principle applies to “science” and “knowledge.” They’re related but distinct. If you think you’ve found two perfectly identical synonyms, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear your examples!
So, science and knowledge differ in scope and application. Science zeroes in on the physical, testable world, while knowledge encompasses a wider range, including abstract reasoning. With this foundation, let’s tackle our big question: Is philosophy a science?
Is Philosophy a Science? A Closer Look
To answer this, we need to compare philosophy to the traits we’ve identified in science and knowledge. Science produces tangible outcomes—things you can see, touch, or use. Knowledge, however, can be abstract, rooted in reasoning without a physical product. Where does philosophy fit?
Science: Tangible Outputs and Phenomena
Science is practical and measurable. Consider pharmacy: researchers develop a drug through rigorous testing—three trial phases, FDA approval—and then you can buy it at a pharmacy. If you’re sick, you take the pill, and you feel better. The output is clear: a cure. Or take engineering: bridges, cars, planes—these are physical results you can interact with. Physics lets you drive from point A to point B; aviation flies you across the globe. Science deals with phenomena we can observe and manipulate.
Knowledge Without Physical Form
Now, think about mathematics. It’s a cornerstone of many sciences, yet on its own, it’s not a science. Why? A mathematician might solve a complex formula—say, a differential equation. Great, problem solved! But what’s the output? There’s no physical product to touch or see. The solution exists in the abstract, as a piece of knowledge. Later, that formula might be applied in physics to design a rocket, but by itself, mathematics lacks the physical phenomena science requires.
Philosophy operates similarly. It’s a pursuit of understanding through reasoning and logic, but its outcomes aren’t tangible. You can’t hold a philosophical argument in your hand or measure it with a ruler. Does that make it less valuable? Not at all—just different.
Philosophy as Knowledge, Not Science
So, here’s the conclusion: philosophy isn’t a science—it’s a form of knowledge. Science demands a physical approach, a phenomenon you can experience with your senses. Philosophy, like mathematics, deals in abstractions—ideas, ethics, existence—that don’t yield a concrete product. You can’t “use” a philosophical insight the way you use a car or a medicine. But that doesn’t mean it’s useless.
The Role of Philosophy in Science
In fact, philosophy underpins science. Today’s scientific marvels—biochemistry, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence—rest on abstract knowledge built over centuries. Think of philosophers like Socrates and Plato. Their ideas about logic, reasoning, and inquiry laid the groundwork for modern thought. Without them, I wouldn’t be writing this article, and you wouldn’t be reading it on your screen. Philosophy may not be science, but it’s the fertile soil from which science grows.
Knowledge as an Umbrella Term
Picture knowledge as an umbrella. Beneath it, you’ll find various branches: sciences like physics and chemistry, and abstract fields like philosophy and mathematics. Just as “dementia” is an umbrella term covering Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other conditions, “knowledge” encompasses both the tangible and the intangible. Philosophy sits under that umbrella as a vital, abstract contributor.
Why Philosophy Matters
If philosophy isn’t science, why should we care? Because it’s foundational. It trains us to think critically, question assumptions, and seek truth through reasoning. While science gives us tools—like the smartphone you might be reading this on—philosophy gives us the framework to understand how to use those tools wisely. I’ve said this before in a video a couple of months ago: philosophy isn’t useless. It’s essential.
Final Thoughts: A Surprising Truth
Here’s the surprising truth I promised at the start: philosophy isn’t a science, but it’s no less important. Science and philosophy are siblings under the vast umbrella of knowledge, each with its strengths. Science builds the world we live in; philosophy shapes how we live in it. So, next time someone dismisses philosophy as “not scientific,” you’ll know better—it’s knowledge in its purest, most abstract form, and it’s been shaping our world for millennia.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you agree that philosophy is knowledge, not science? Have any synonym pairs to challenge Chomsky’s theory? Leave a comment below, and let’s keep the conversation going.
