Understanding Scientific Knowledge and Research
The Science of Knowledge
What is Science?
Science comes from the Latin verb scire (to know). Scientific knowledge is the theoretical and systematic organization of knowledge about the world, explaining observed phenomena. It is rigorous, critical, and often has practical applications.
Types of Sciences
Sciences can be broadly categorized as:
- Formal Sciences: Based on abstract ideals and deduction (e.g., logic, mathematics).
- Empirical/Experimental Sciences: Based on experience and observation. These are
Personal Identity, Freedom, and Responsibility: A Moral Inquiry
Personal Identity, Freedom, and Responsibility
The Person as a Moral Subject
Ortega y Gasset emphasizes the rational nature of human beings as moral persons. Our inherent moral motivation stems from a natural inclination towards happiness and fulfillment. As moral subjects, we shape ourselves through ethical choices. Like Aristotle and St. Thomas, Ortega y Gasset believes the ultimate goal in life is to achieve what is best. The wise and morally sound person strives to do good, regardless of fortune.
Read MoreKant’s Moral Philosophy and Hume’s Empiricism
Kant’s Moral Philosophy
Formal and Material Elements
Kant’s moral philosophy divides into two elements. The material element is the object of cognition. It is a posteriori because it is sensitive and appropriate to external experience. The formal element is not an object of cognition. It is known a priori through pure intuitions and pure concepts.
Kant concludes that there are two different functions of reason: pure reason deals with theoretical judgments, and practical reason deals with moral imperatives.
Read MorePlato vs. Aristotle: Comparing Theories of Reality
Plato vs. Aristotle: A Philosophical Duel on Reality
Plato’s Theory of Forms
Plato, Socrates’ student, believed in a dualistic reality: the world of Being and the world of Becoming. His Theory of Forms posits a perfect world (Being) from which our imperfect world (Becoming) copies. These worlds are linked by the Realm of Forms, containing non-physical ideal representations. For example, the ideal form of a water bottle dictates the qualities any physical water bottle should possess to achieve perfection.
Read MoreThe Existence of God: A Thomistic Perspective
Explanation
a) Contingency: The starting point is the finite duration of things. As things are generated and corrupted, they can both be and not be—that is, they are contingent.
b) The First Principle: A being limited in duration is caused by something necessary. St. Thomas uses temporal considerations to formulate and test this principle. Things were once possible not to be, and they will be corrupted and cease to exist. Therefore, it is evident that they are not necessary. If all things were
Read MoreAntonyms: A Comprehensive Dictionary of Opposites
A
Aboca
- Pouring, casting, packaging, potting, provide
- Antonyms: Arrimar, approximate, looming, Allegan, unite, dedicate, delivered in/out, split, without, abstain, away, avoid
Abras
- Overheating, inflame, ignite, inflame, calcined; wither, secar
- Antonyms: Greening off, cool, calm, appease, calm
Rugged
- Cliffs, intricate, bravo, wild, thorny, rugged, hilly, bumpy, hilly, rolling, rugged, rocky, uneven, impassable, steep, rough, uncouth, harsh, rude, crude, typical
- Antonyms: Plain, practicable, expeditious,