The scientific approach of philosophy

To deal with the scientific approach was the best approach to establish personal philosophy. Herbert Feigl discuss the relationship between the science and humanities as well as the basic characteristic of the scientific method. According to him, science can contribute to better value judgments. There arises some difficulties to definition of science seems to be a matter of technicalities. We must distinguish between pure mathematics as an formal conceptual discipline and empirical science.

Science is this sense differ only in degree from knowledge gathered together throughtout ages by sound or commonsense.

The aims of science are:- description, explanation and  prediction.

The first aim is basic and indispensable. 2^nd and 3^rd aim are most desirable fruits id scientific labours. The aim of science are essentially the same throughout the whole field. What the scientist are seeking are descriptions, explanations and predictions which are adequate and accurate. So the quest for scientific knowledge is regulated by certain criteria, which may be formulated in the form of ideals. These regulated ideas are;

Intersubjective testability:  the term intersubjective stress the social nature of scientific enterprise. Some common belief of an individual – such as mystic or visionaries are not found in sciences. Thus difference arises between scientific and non-scientific activities of man.

Religious ecstacy, elation of love, inspiration of the artists – are not the scientific activities, but may become the subject matter of scientific study.

Reliability or a sufficient degree of conformation: this second criteria of scientific knowledge enables to distinguish between “mere opinion” from knowledge.  For example, Astrology are not factually meaningless; but they are considered false to fact in that all available evidence speaks overwhelming against them. Modern techniques of experimentation and statistical analysis are the most powerful tools in the judgment between chance and law and hence the best means enhancing the reliability of knowledge.

There are some misconceptions of science.

-          Science arises exclusively out of practical and social needs and has its only value in serving them in turn.

-          Science cannot furnish a secure basis of human affairs sice it is unstable. It changes its views continually.

-          Science never explains, it merely explain the phenomena of experience. The reality beyond the appearances is also beyond the reach of science.