Introduction to Science Concepts

What is Science?

• A science is fundamentally concerned with understanding cause and effect.
• It explains observed phenomena through systematic inquiry and observations of the natural world.
• Science operates as a dual concept:
  • As a process, it involves gathering and verifying information.
  • As a product, it results from investigative efforts and is grounded in experience.

Characteristics of Science

• Coherence is essential, ensuring that information is logically structured.
• Science encompasses definite fields of knowledge.
• Scientific statements must be universally applicable and true or probably true.
• Investigations and arguments must be clearly explained.

Classification of Science

• Natural Sciences: Include Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology, Physiology, and Meteorology.
• Basic/Pure Sciences: Comprise Mathematics, Logic, Chemistry, and Physics.
• Human/Social Sciences: Encompass Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, History, and Religion.
• Applied Science: Involves disciplines like Architecture, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacology, and Law.
• Some fields, like Computer Science, may straddle classifications, being both applied and pure sciences.

Nursing as a Science

• Nursing integrates concepts from various branches of science.
• Primarily categorized as an applied science, despite having characteristics of human or social sciences.

Nursing as an Academic Discipline

• Academic disciplines focus on theoretical knowledge to understand phenomena, with descriptive research.
• Professional disciplines emphasize practical skill application, often with prescriptive or descriptive research tendencies.
• Nursing is identified as a distinct discipline due to its unique philosophy and at least one conceptual framework that defines what constitutes nursing knowledge.
• Nursing’s knowledge base is interdisciplinary, indicating its significance as both a professional and an academic discipline.

Distinctions in Occupation vs. Profession

• An occupation refers to a job or career; a profession is a learned vocation that possesses recognized standards and status.