5 characteristics of the scientific METHOD

The characteristics of the scientific method They are conceptual analysis, logical reasoning, critical reflection, argumentation and debate, and the use of classical sources and texts.

As the theorists conclude, There is no single universally accepted scientific method applicable to all scientific disciplines. The scientific method is considered as a general and flexible approach that adapts to different areas of study and research approaches. However, there are certain common features or steps that are usually present in most scientific methods.

Thus, as far as philosophy is concerned, the scientific method is applied in a different way from that followed in the natural sciences. Philosophy deals with more abstract and conceptual issues, so its approach and methodology differ from those used in the empirical sciences. In this new lesson from unPROFESOR.com we tell you What are the characteristics of the scientific method in philosophy.

Here is a review of the characteristics of the scientific method:

• Concept analysis: One of the goals of philosophy is to analyze and clarify fundamental concepts and abstract problems. The method examines the definitions, breaks the concepts down into smaller parts, and proceeds to explore the logical implications.
• Logic reasoning: Logic plays a major role in philosophy, using deductive and inductive arguments to examine relationships between premises and conclusions.
• critical reflection: Philosophy involves a critical and reflective examination of ideas and beliefs. Underlying assumptions are questioned, different perspectives are explored, and arguments are evaluated.
• Argumentation and discussion: Philosophy is often carried out through argument and debate. Philosophers present and defend some points of view, while the rest criticize them, refute and propose counterarguments.
• Use of classic fonts and texts: Philosophers turn to classical sources and texts of philosophy to examine and understand the ideas of thinkers from other times.

These characteristics of the scientific method may vary depending on the philosophical branch under study, the range of subfields and approaches being very wide. Thus, they will not be the same depending on whether we are in the branch of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology or the philosophy of language, etc.

The scientific method is the rigorous and systematic way of investigating and understanding the natural world.. A method that, although variable as far as its application is concerned, has a series of basic characteristics such as:

• Observation of a phenomenon
• Formulation of a question
• Research and information gathering
• Formulation of a hypothesis
• Design and conduct of experiments
• Analysis of experimental data.

In unProfesor we discover the steps of the scientific method.

Although it is not possible to speak of a single scientific method in philosophy there are some common characteristics with regard to the way in which philosophical inquiry is approached. The great Greek philosophers already pointed out the need to follow a regulated method to study and analyze reality. Thus, the first methods of philosophical reasoning were proposed by philosophers of the stature of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The methods would be specifically the logical, technical and mathematical method.

In the Modern Age, and with the consolidation of natural philosophy, discards (1596-1650) would be the first philosopher to define the rules of the method for the search for truth in science. A method that had numerous precursors, one of the most notable being Galileo Galilei (1564-1642). The latter was one of those that most helped to separate scientific knowledge from faith and tradition.

In addition to Descartes, other philosophers who helped define the scientific method were Francis Bacon (1561-1642), Loche (1632-1704), Spinoza (1632-1677), Newton (1643-1727), Kant (1724-1804) and Hegel (1770-1831).

Among the methods distinguished by philosophy are the dialectical method, the transcendental, the intuitive, the phenomenological, the semiotic, the axiomatic and the inductive.