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TYhe 5455
TYhe 5455
TYhe 5455
Natural science is the study of the physical world. It can be divided into two main branches: life science
(or biological science) and physical science. These two branches may be further divided into more
specialized disciplines. For example, physical science can be subdivided into physics, chemistry,
astronomy, and earth science. Modern natural science is the successor to the natural philosophy that
began in Ancient Greece. Galileo, Descartes, Bacon, and Newton debated the benefits of using
approaches which were more mathematical and more experimental in a methodical way. Still,
philosophical perspectives, conjectures, and presuppositions, often overlooked, remain necessary in
natural science.[112] Systematic data collection, including discovery science, succeeded natural history,
which emerged in the 16th century by describing and classifying plants, animals, minerals, and so on. [113]
Today, "natural history" suggests observational descriptions aimed at popular audiences. [114]
Social science
In economics, the supply and demand model describes how prices vary in a market economy as a result
of a balance between product availability and consumer demand.
Social science is the study of human behavior and functioning of societies. [20][21] It has many disciplines
that include, but are not limited to anthropology, economics, history, human geography, political
science, psychology, and sociology.[20] In the social sciences, there are many competing theoretical
perspectives, many of which are extended through competing research programs such as the
functionalists, conflict theorists, and interactionists in sociology.[20] Due to the limitations of conducting
controlled experiments involving large groups of individuals or complex situations, social scientists may
adopt other research methods such as the historical method, case studies, and cross-cultural studies.
Moreover, if quantitative information is available, social scientists may rely on statistical approaches to
better understand social relationships and processes. [20]
Formal science
Applied science
Louis Pasteur's pasteurization experiment illustrates that the spoilage of liquid is caused by particles in
the air rather than the liquid itself. Pasteur also discovered the principles of vaccination and
fermentation.
Applied science is the use of the scientific method and knowledge to attain practical goals and includes a
broad range of disciplines such as engineering and medicine.[28][29][30][31][32] Engineering is the use of
scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels,
roads, vehicles, and buildings.[120] Engineering itself encompasses a range of more specialized fields of
engineering, each with a more specific emphasis on particular areas of applied mathematics, science,
and types of application. Medicine is the practice of caring for patients by maintaining and restoring
health through the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injury or disease.[121][122][123][124] Contemporary
medicine applies biomedical sciences, medical research, genetics, and medical technology to prevent,
diagnose, and treat injury and disease, typically through the use of medications, medical devices,
surgery, and non-pharmacological interventions. The applied sciences are often contrasted with the
basic sciences, which are focused on advancing scientific theories and laws that explain and predict
events in the natural world.
Scientific research
Further information: Research
Scientific research can be labeled as either basic or applied research. Basic research is the search for
knowledge and applied research is the search for solutions to practical problems using this knowledge.
Although some scientific research is applied research into specific problems, a great deal of our
understanding comes from the curiosity-driven undertaking of basic research. This leads to options for
technological advances that were not planned or sometimes even imaginable. This point was made by
Michael Faraday when allegedly in response to the question "what is the use of basic research?" he
responded: "Sir, what is the use of a new-born child?". [125] For example, research into the effects of red
light on the human eye's rod cells did not seem to have any practical purpose; eventually, the discovery
that our night vision is not troubled by red light would lead search and rescue teams (among others) to
adopt red light in the cockpits of jets and helicopters. [126] Finally, even basic research can take
unexpected turns, and there is some sense in which the scientific method is built to harness luck.
Scientific method