Science is a system of knowledge obtained through observation and experimentation. This system has a structure that relates the different areas of science to each other in specific ways. It contains general laws that have been developed rationally and experimentally .
Scientific knowledge allows us to generate questions and develop reasoning to tentatively answer those questions. The possible answers to these questions (formulated through logical reasoning) are called hypotheses.
The sciences have a specific method for problem-solving and knowledge construction called the scientific method . It develops in various stages:
- Observation. A fact is observed that raises a question or problem.
- Hypothesisformulation . A rational and possible answer to that question or problem is developed.
- Experimentation. It allows us to verify that the hypothesis is correct.
- Analysis. The results of the experiment are analyzed to confirm or reject the hypothesis and draw conclusions .
The scientific method depends on two fundamental characteristics:
- Reproducibility. All scientific experiments must be reproducible to verify the results.
- Refutability. Every scientific claim must be constructed in such a way that it can be refuted.
The distinction between hard and soft sciences is not a formal division but is used to indicate:
It may be useful to you:
- Applied sciences
- Exact sciences
- Factual sciences
Hard sciences
Hard sciences are those that use the scientific method with more rigorous and exact results and possibilities for verification.
- They are capable of producing highly effective predictions based on general laws.
- Empirical. In general (but not in all cases), the hard sciences are not theoretical but empirical, meaning they are based on the observation of phenomena. Although there is a widespread belief that only the so-called hard sciences are empirical, we will see that the soft sciences are also empirical.
- Experimental. Its object of study facilitates the performance of experiments.
- Quantifiable. Experimental results are not only qualitative but also quantitative.
- Objectivity. Due to the aforementioned characteristics, the hard sciences are often considered more objective than the soft sciences.
Examples of hard sciences
- Chemistry. The study of matter in terms of its composition, structure, and properties , as well as the changes it undergoes. Chemistry considers that one substance changes into another when the chemical bonds between atoms change. The atom is the basic (though not indivisible) unit of chemistry. It is composed of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, around which a group of electrons revolve in specific orbits. Chemistry is divided into organic chemistry (which studies the chemistry of living beings) and inorganic chemistry (which studies the chemistry of inert matter).
- Mathematics. A formal science , that is, one that validates its theories based on propositions, definitions, axioms, and rules of reference. It studies the properties and relationships between certain abstract entities (numbers, geometric figures, or symbols) following logical reasoning. It is used by all other hard sciences.
- Astronomy. The study of objects and phenomena originating outside the Earth’s atmosphere, including stars, planets, comets , and more complex structures such as galaxies and the universe itself. It uses physics and chemistry to interpret observations of remote objects and events.
- Physics. It studies the behavior of matter , energy, time, and space, and the changes and interactions between these elements. Physical quantities are: energy (and its various forms), momentum, mass, electric charge, and entropy . Physical entities include matter, particles, fields, waves, space-time, observers, and positions.
- Biology. It studies living beings in all their characteristics, from their nutrition, reproduction, and behavior to their origin, evolution, and relationship with other living beings. It studies large groups such as species , populations, and ecosystems , but also small units, such as cells and genetics. This explains why it has a wide variety of specialties.
- Medicine. It studies the human body in its healthy functioning as well as in pathological situations (diseases). That is, it studies its interaction with microorganisms and other substances that can benefit or harm it. It is a science directly linked to its technical application, that is, promoting human health.
Soft sciences
Soft sciences can use the scientific method, but in some cases they arrive at theoretical conclusions solely through reasoning, without the possibility of experimentation.
- Their predictions are not that accurate and in some cases they cannot produce them.
- While they may include experimentation, they can reach theoretical conclusions without conducting experiments.
- They are considered less empirical because they can study phenomena that cannot be reproduced under laboratory conditions. However, they also observe concrete facts (i.e., they are truly empirical).
- Non-quantifiable: the results cannot be measured or are not as valuable for their quantitative aspects as for their qualitative aspects.
- Subjectivity: Soft sciences reflect on the observer’s involvement in the observed phenomenon and do not deny the researcher’s subjectivity. Therefore, they are believed to be more subjective than hard sciences.
The distinction between hard and soft sciences is based on the assumption that a more experimental type of science can arrive more directly at the truth and avoid ambiguities. However, in one of the hard sciences, physics, there are currently controversies that are currently impossible to resolve, such as the contradiction between quantum physics and classical physics.
Examples of soft sciences
- Sociology. Studies the structure and functioning of societies, and any collective human phenomenon. Human beings live in groups and establish specific relationships between them. Sociology studies, classifies, and analyzes these relationships. All analysis is based on specific theories and paradigms, which sociologists must specify when presenting the results of their research. Their study methods can be qualitative (case studies, interviews, observation, action research), quantitative (randomized experiments, questionnaires, surveys, and other sampling techniques), or comparative (those that compare similar phenomena with the aim of drawing general conclusions).
- History. Studies humanity’s past. It is an interpretive science that establishes relationships between different events, actors, and circumstances. Since it refers to past events, it cannot base its theories on experimentation. However, its objectivity is based on the evidence it uses to justify these relationships, as well as on the logic of its reasoning.
- Anthropology. It studies human beings based on the criteria of both the soft sciences (such as sociology and psychology) and the hard sciences (such as biology). However, due to its limited scope for experimentation, it is considered a soft science. It studies basic human behaviors, seeking common characteristics across cultures .
- Psychology. The study of human behavior and the mental processes of both individuals and groups. There are different approaches to psychology that offer contradictory conceptions about the functioning of the human mind. Therefore, scientific research in psychology must always explain the theories and assumptions on which its hypotheses and interpretations of observations are based.
