The relationship between philosophy and science is one of the most complex and influential in the history of human thought.
Starting as a unified entity, this relationship has evolved over time into a dynamic interaction that forms the core of cognitive advancement.
Philosophical Motherhood of Science
Initially, philosophy acted as the “mother” of all knowledge domains, with sciences being an integral part of philosophical inquiry.
This maternal relationship was characterized by integration and unity, where philosophy posed the grand questions and science sought answers through observation and experimentation.
It’s fair to mention the role of mathematics as a bridge that led philosophy to influence physics and other natural sciences, placing mathematics in the position of “father” of the sciences, whose genes, along with those of philosophy, are found in all sciences.
Scientific Autonomy and Philosophical Perspective
Over time, the sciences gradually separated from philosophy, gaining their own autonomy.
This shift was not isolated from the philosophical views that watched with admiration and sometimes pity as their “scientific children” grew and developed into independent fields.
Return to Philosophical Roots
Despite this separation, certain periods witnessed attempts to reconnect science and philosophy.
For example, Hegel’s philosophy restored regard for the dialectical perspective in history, which later enriched the foundation of sociology by Auguste Comte, who used philosophical critique and analysis of historical events to establish the discipline.
Philosophy and Natural Sciences
The influence of philosophy was not limited to social sciences but also extended to natural sciences.
Einstein’s theory of relativity, which offered a new conception of time and space, is an example of how sciences draw on philosophical questions to develop their theories.
Mathematics: From Euclidean to Diversity
Even mathematics, with all its rigor and elegance, was not immune to the influence of this cognitive interplay.
From the era of Euclid to the modern age, mathematics has undergone cognitive revolutions that led to the development of new geometries and advanced mathematical concepts that went beyond the Euclidean framework.
In a similar yet reversed analogy to the biblical creation of Eve from Adam’s rib, it could be said that mathematics (the father) emerged from the rib of philosophy (the mother), reflecting the deep and complex interplay between these two cognitive domains.
In conclusion, the relationship between philosophy and science is complex and ever-changing, characterized by interplay and mutual influence.
Despite phases of independence and divergence, there are still historical moments that testify to the depth and importance of this connection in enriching human knowledge.
Author: Dr. Ahmed Khatib, Advisor at Masarat Initiative
