Social Science vs.. Natural Science

The question is “are the social sciences really inferior?” This means if they are inferior than natural sciences in all aspect for the purpose of testing the strength of social science as a political inquiry.

Nine grounds are to be enumerated:

First is the invariability of observations. Natural science is said to give more invariance than social phenomena. It is for the reason that Social phenomenon are driven by the predictions of the people, unlike in natural science, you cannot immediately give your conclusions for everything needs to undergo tests and/or experiments. Though they have difference when it comes with methodology, their differences lie in several factors instituted in the discipline.

Second is the objectivity of observation and explanation— the difference of the two as having the subjective value (social science) and the objective value (natural science). In this ground, social science seemed to fail because social science is biased—factors involve in social science are based on biases. In addition to that, their proposals on solving problems are most likely driven by their value or what they believe.

Third is the verifiability of hypotheses. The verification in social science is hard to realize which is very opposite of natural science.

Fourth are the low-level generalizations.  Social science tends to test recurring events all the time.

Fifth is the exactness of findings. Social science has many interpretations so there is the problem of measurability. In the measurability of phenomena, we must take into considerations if numerical answers and/or results are enough because there is no assurance of the occurrence of non-measurable factors both in natural and social sciences.

Sixth is the concept of constancy of numerical relationships. One of the weaknesses of social science is that it lacks constancy because one of its characteristics is to have quick changes which is the very opposite of natural science. Numerical constants tend to be important in natural science but none of it is given importance by social science.

Seventh is the predictability of future events, natural science do not predict the future, what they believe is something they cannot predict, but social science is the other way around.

Eighth is the distance of everyday experience, social science is said to deal with the relations of man with his fellow being thus making them closer. As a result, he cannot see the true meaning of this experience which is something above and beyond him which can also lead to his disappointment of what he supposes to be a portrait of him.