Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 define and discuss the scientific method of philosophizing,

 compare the Socratic method, dialectic method, and

scientific method as methods of philosophizing,

 distinguish opinions from truths by analyzing given

situations, and
Opinion and Truth
 justify the validity of the statement “The scientific method It is important to remember that the scientific method involves only
leads to wisdom and truth.” the truth. However, differentiating between the two is still important.

Doing experiments are standard in science classes. In the previous  An opinion is a personal view formed about a particular
example, knowing whether a mixture is heterogeneous or matter. An example of this would be your take on who
homogeneous can easily be done just by performing a simple test. among your science teachers is the best.
This lesson involves the process of experimentation and
observation referred to as the scientific method of philosophizing.  Truth is something that has actual and proven existence
regardless of one’s opinion. For example, raspberry plants
The Scientific Method that receive the most water grow the biggest.
 The term "science" is derived from the Latin Try to analyze the given situations. Distinguish the opinion from the
word scientia that means “to produce knowledge.” truth.
 The scientific method, also called empirical method, is a
process of determining truth or knowledge through
experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and
hypothesis or theory testing.
 The scientific method could trace its history from the
Classical period with Aristotle giving the earliest
structured theory on the scientific approach.
 The process begins with an idea about any given topic.
Hypothesis testing is done to prove the validity of this idea.
 Situation A reveals the truth because it is proven
 In a philosophical view, the means of hypothesis testing scientifically.
and its results are considered the most important feature
 Situation B expresses an opinion because it is a personal
of the method.
view about the topic.
 The scientific method also values observation as an
The Scientific Method Leads to Wisdom and Truth
important aspect because it contributes to further
understanding the results of the hypothesis testing. The scientific method leads to wisdom and truth because it uses an
evidence-based approach to come up with its conclusion. In this
Examples: method, all truths are supported by facts that can easily be tested
 exposing one plant to sunlight while limiting the exposure or proven again through experiments, logical reasoning, or
of another is done to test which setting promotes better observation. The knowledge and truth gained from the scientific
plant growth method are assured to come directly from valid conclusions.

 testing and quantifying morality, love, mercy, justice, or

compassion which are all realities that do not dwell in the
realm of materialism
The Scientific, Dialectic, and Socratic Methods
Both the Socratic and dialectic method are based on a discussion
between two or more people who may carry differing views but wish
to pursue the truth by seeking an agreement with one another.
Meanwhile, the scientific method is a process of determining truth
or knowledge through experimentation, inductive and deductive
reasoning, and hypothesis or theory testing.
Study the chart below.