Likely ask Questions and Answers on Unit 4: Philosophy and other Disciplines 

Likely ask Questions and Answers on Unit 4: Philosophy and other Disciplines
Beside the four traditional branches of philosophy that you have learned above, there are other branches of philosophy which are often referred to as the philosophy of the infrastructure of disciplines. This study unit introduces you to the analysis of the relationship between philosophy and some other disciplines. Bearing in mind that there is no discipline per se that does not stem from philosophy as parent discipline (Unit 3), the focus in this unit will be specifically on the relationship between philosophy, the sciences, religion, education and law.
2.0. Intended Learning Outcomes.
By the end of this unit, you will be able to apply philosophical thoughts in analysing the relationship between philosophy, science, religion, education and law.
3.0. Main Content.
3.1. Philosophy and Science.
You should bear in mind that until late 16 and early 19 centuries all scientific knowledge was within the ambit of philosophical inquiry. In other words, philosophy was the “science” per excellence. But according to Archie J. Bahm: As reflections upon problems became increasing, complex and as special techniques were developed, specialists limited the range of these inquiries, and the sciences were born. Among the first were mechanics, mathematics and astronomy. Among the latest were psychology and sociology. The romance of the maturing of these offspring of the fecund mother must be left to the history of science (1995:10).
The Nature of Scientific Knowledge.
Unlike philosophy, science is best known as “an exact discipline”. In line with this, The Oxford Advanced Dictionary also defines science as “knowledge arranged in an orderly manner, especially knowledge obtained by observation and testing of facts….” ForFrolov, the nature of scientific knowledge goes beyond this “positivist” definition. According to him, science is also “the field of research directed towards obtaining further knowledge of nature, society and thought”… It (science) is not limited to natural or exact sciences. Science is an integral system with its components flexibly correlated in history, study of nature, study of society, natural science (1984:372).
There is no doubt that science stemmed from philosophy. It is also true that as a discipline, science bears some specific characteristics different from philosophy. According to Harold H. Titus, scientific knowledge can be defined as: A system of man understands of nature, society and thought. It reflects the world in concepts, categories and laws whose truth is verified by practical experience. Science is the study of the totality of the concrete spheres of material reality. It is concerned to investigate and establish objective laws of nature by forming working hypothesis by which man may be enabled to harness nature to his purposes and transform his environment (1997:65).
From the above definition of science, it should be clear to you that the main purpose of science as discipline is to observe, understand natural phenomena and then control processes. To any scientist it is assumed that the universe, the orderly and natural phenomena are predictable and lawful.