Science has come a long way since the time of Aristotle, but his ideas about what constitutes true scientific knowledge still hold relevance today.
In his work, Aristotle divided science into three categories: theoretical, productive, and practical. He believed that a science must have knowable objects and seek universal and necessary truths.
But what did he mean by these terms? And how do they apply to our modern understanding of science?
In this article, we will explore Aristotle’s definition of science and its implications for our understanding of the natural world.
What Did Aristotle Mean By Science
Aristotle believed that a science must have knowable objects, meaning that it must be based on things that actually exist and can be observed. For example, there cannot be a science of dragons because dragons do not exist in reality. This is a fundamental principle that still holds true in modern science.
Furthermore, Aristotle believed that the aim of scientific knowledge was the attainment of universal and necessary truths. This means that scientific knowledge should apply everywhere, at all times, and must be necessary. In other words, it should be based on facts that are true regardless of the context or situation.
Aristotle divided science into three categories: theoretical, productive, and practical. Theoretical science seeks knowledge for its own sake and is divided into three sub-categories. The first sub-category studies natural objects which generate movement and growth internally; that is, living objects as well as the ‘heavenly bodies’ and geological phenomena. The second sub-category studies objects in abstraction from their motion. In other words, it studies the quantitative aspect of objects. This second division of theoretical science is the domain of mathematics. The third and final sub-category of theoretical science is the study of objects that are not in motion, or are immovable. This is the study of “first causes”, so to speak, and is the domain of theology.
Productive science aims at the creation of a product. For example, a science of computers aims at the production of computers. Aristotle believed that only human beings, who alone have rationality, are capable of engaging in productive science.
Finally, practical science aims at knowledge of action or praxis. The science of action underlies the ability to act well or to live the good life, which according to Aristotle was a life guided by reason.
Aristotle’s Three Categories Of Science
Aristotle’s three categories of science are theoretical, productive, and practical. Theoretical science seeks knowledge for its own sake and is further divided into three sub-categories. The first sub-category studies natural objects which generate movement and growth internally, such as living objects, heavenly bodies, and geological phenomena. The second sub-category studies objects in abstraction from their motion, which is the domain of mathematics. The third and final sub-category of theoretical science is the study of objects that are not in motion or are immovable, which is the domain of theology.
Productive science aims at the creation of a product, such as a science of computers that aims at the production of computers. Aristotle believed that only human beings, who alone have rationality, are capable of engaging in productive science.
Finally, practical science aims at knowledge of action or praxis. The science of action underlies the ability to act well or to live the good life, which according to Aristotle was a life guided by reason. These three categories encompass every conceivable object or phenomena that science can investigate, and they still hold true in modern science.
Theoretical Science: Seeking Universal Truths
Aristotle believed that theoretical science seeks knowledge for its own sake and aims to attain universal and necessary truths. Theoretical science is divided into three sub-categories: the study of natural objects, the study of quantitative aspects of objects (mathematics), and the study of immovable objects (theology).
The first sub-category of theoretical science studies natural objects, including living organisms and geological phenomena. Aristotle believed that the study of natural objects must be based on observation and experience, and that it should aim to identify the principles that govern the behavior of natural objects. The second sub-category of theoretical science studies the quantitative aspect of objects, which is the domain of mathematics. Aristotle believed that mathematics should be based on logical deduction from first principles, rather than on empirical observation.
The third and final sub-category of theoretical science is the study of immovable objects or “first causes”. This is the domain of theology and seeks to understand the ultimate causes of existence. Aristotle believed that this branch of science should be based on logical deduction from first principles, rather than on empirical observation.
Aristotle’s belief in seeking universal truths in theoretical science is a fundamental principle that still holds true in modern science. The aim of modern scientific knowledge is also the attainment of universal and necessary truths that apply everywhere and at all times. This is why scientific theories must be based on empirical evidence, logical deduction, and rigorous testing to ensure their validity.
Productive Science: Applying Knowledge To Create
Productive science, as Aristotle defined it, involves applying theoretical knowledge to create something new. This type of science aims at the production of a product, such as a computer or a building. Aristotle believed that only human beings, who possess rationality, are capable of engaging in productive science.
Productive science involves taking theoretical knowledge and applying it to practical use. For example, a computer scientist may use their knowledge of programming languages and hardware to create a new software application. Similarly, an engineer may use their understanding of physics and mathematics to design a new building or bridge.
Aristotle believed that productive science is an essential component of human progress and development. By applying knowledge to create new products and technologies, humans can improve their lives and advance society as a whole. However, he also recognized that productive science must be guided by reason and ethical considerations. Without proper guidance, productive science could be used to create harmful or destructive products.
Practical Science: Solving Real-World Problems
Practical science, as Aristotle defined it, is concerned with solving real-world problems. It aims at knowledge of action or praxis, which underlies the ability to act well or to live a good life guided by reason. This type of science is based on observation and experience, and its goal is to provide practical solutions to problems that arise in everyday life.
Aristotle believed that practical science was essential for human flourishing, as it helped individuals to make informed decisions and act in accordance with reason. He argued that practical science was distinct from theoretical science, in that it focused on the application of knowledge rather than the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.
Practical science involves a process of problem-solving that begins with identifying a problem or situation that requires action. This may involve gathering information, analyzing data, and considering various options for addressing the problem. Once a course of action has been selected, it is implemented and evaluated to determine its effectiveness.
Aristotle believed that practical science was essential for individuals to live a good life, as it allowed them to make decisions based on reason and to act in ways that were consistent with their values and goals. He argued that practical science was particularly important for leaders and politicians, who needed to make decisions that would have a significant impact on the lives of others.
Today, practical science continues to play an important role in fields such as medicine, engineering, and business. It involves the application of scientific knowledge to real-world problems, and requires individuals to think critically and creatively in order to develop effective solutions. By following the principles of practical science, individuals can make informed decisions and take actions that are guided by reason and evidence.
The Importance Of Knowable Objects In Science
Aristotle’s emphasis on knowable objects in science is an important principle that still holds true today. Science is based on empirical evidence, meaning that it must be based on things that can be observed and tested. Without knowable objects, there can be no scientific knowledge.
Aristotle’s principle also highlights the importance of objectivity in science. By focusing on knowable objects, scientists can avoid subjective biases and develop theories that are based on facts rather than personal beliefs or opinions.
Moreover, the principle of knowable objects is essential for the development of universal and necessary truths in science. Without a basis in reality, scientific knowledge would lack the necessary foundation to make universal claims about the natural world.
How Aristotle’s Definition Of Science Influenced Modern Science
Aristotle’s definition of science had a profound influence on modern science. His insistence that a science must be based on observable objects that actually exist set the foundation for modern empirical science. This principle is still followed today, as scientific theories are based on observations and experiments that can be replicated by others.
Moreover, Aristotle’s emphasis on universal and necessary truths in scientific knowledge has also influenced modern science. Scientific theories are expected to apply universally and be necessary, meaning that they are true regardless of the context or situation. This has led to the development of scientific laws and theories that are widely accepted and used to explain natural phenomena.
Aristotle’s categorization of science into theoretical, productive, and practical also influenced modern science. Theoretical sciences, such as physics and biology, aim at understanding the natural world for its own sake. Productive sciences, such as engineering and technology, aim at creating products that can benefit society. Practical sciences, such as ethics and politics, aim at guiding human behavior towards the good life.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s definition of science has had a lasting impact on modern science. His emphasis on observable objects, universal and necessary truths, and categorization of science into different branches has helped shape the way we understand and approach scientific inquiry today.
