Philosophy and Practice of Science: A Critique

Abstract

The implication of scientific methodology in terms of its philosophical roots and divergences constitutes a massive untapped topic for modern academics. This paper's critical review articulates the philosophical premises of positivism and constructivism, which eventually define scientific approaches with their respective limitations. It also extends the discussion of the issues and concerns inherent when applying these frameworks in pragmatic empirical studies, as highlighted by post-positivists, including tensions between theory and implementation. It reviews the literature to understand how ethical issues and methodological stringency hinder the assimilation of philosophical critique into scientific practice. The dichotomy between natural science and social science is becoming thinner, and they are now moving toward a continuum approach to contributing to each other. The paper concludes that the philosophy and practices of science have become complex and a political tool that dilutes it from the beauty of metaphysics and eventually leads to a hegemonic regime of politics. Thus, this paper calls for a more dialogical philosophy on science and scientific methods.