TITLE: Social sciences vs.

Natural sciences and Humanities

MELC: Differentiate the nature and functions of natural and social sciences and humanities.
LC CODE: N/A

After going through this lesson, you are expected to:

1. The learners demonstrate an understanding of the emergence of the Social Sciences and the different fields.
2. Learners shall be able to differentiate social sciences, natural sciences and humanities in terms of:
a. Field of study,
b. Importance and functions,
c. Limitations and
d. Methods and Approaches in conducting different studies.

DISCUSSION

Science

Science is known as an endeavor in order to understand, explain and predict different phenomena in the world
we live using distinctive methods of inquiry in an attempt to construct theories. According to Webster, it is a
system of knowledge covering general truths or operation of general laws obtained and tested using Scientific
method.
In contrast to religions, astrology, and fortune telling, science uses systematical methods such as Scientific
method in understanding, explaining and predicting different phenomena in our world. Furthermore, tangible and
intangible data are used as evidences in constructing theories and laws acquired from different experimentations.

Social Science

Essentially, the term “Social Sciences” is defined as the body of knowledge

concerned with human society, societal groups, individuals in their relationships
with others or institutions of societies and material goods as expression of
human cohabitation (Bayer, 1992). It is characterized as the area of study that
deals with the human behavior in its cultural and social facets. Also, it is
considered as the branch of science that focuses on the interpersonal
relationships among people living in a society. Social sciences are much
younger than the natural sciences. It began during the late 19th Century with the
sociological publications including “Suicide” by Emile Durkheim and “Systeme
de politique positive” by Auguste Comte. Over the past centuries, Social
Sciences focused on the contributing factors or elements that molded and
governed the development of the human civilization. Speaking of elements,
what are the important elements of Social Sciences?
Elements of Social Sciences
As you can see, there are two words comprising the term “Social Sciences.” These words represent the two
substantial elements of Social Sciences, which are the society (social) and the empirical analysis (science).
Society, the first element of Social Sciences, puts the entire body of knowledge in individuals as social beings
and their social backgrounds or environments. It situates Social Sciences in people and social issues that are
affecting them. On the other hand, empirical analysis places the Social Sciences in an academic mode of
investigation about human society using the scientific method, the systematic and rational process of obtaining
knowledge. Among the important methods in social sciences is Survey Method along with Interviews and Case
studies.

(Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences (Module 1 Quarter 3) Page 1

 Generalize
Structuring selection Data Data Draw
the
the survey of samples Collection Analysis Conclusion
Population

Figure 1. Steps of Survey Method.

Because of this element, learning about society and understanding the things that are happening in it need to be
conducted experimentally such as having a keen observation, critical analysis, and interpretation of social facts,
which include data and information about a particular social phenomenon, identified from the individuals living
within a certain society. This element is also the reason why Social Sciences are recognized as scientific
disciplines, which help people grasp the idea of society and its complexities.
Just like natural sciences, social sciences are also limited by various factors including the need to base findings
on interpretations, complexity of the field, as well as ethical issues and financial problems.
Other Definitions of Social Sciences
According to James High “Social science is a study which recognizes the simultaneous and mutual action of
physical and non-physical stimuli which produce social relation”
Charles Beard “Social sciences are body of knowledge and thought pertaining to human affairs as distinguished
from sticks, stones, stars and physical objects.
Bining & Bining defines Social science as “the subject that relate to the origin, organization, and development of
human society.
Natural Science
Natural Sciences, or the
sciences of nature, give
attention on investigating every
single natural phenomenon
that occurred, or is currently
happening, in our world using
tangible evidences like natural
forces, fossils, and artifacts
that will be subjected to
experimentation following the
Scientific Method (Ledoux,
2002). These areas of study
explore the laws of nature that
rule our world through Figure 2. How Natural Science explained natural phenomena
objective and empirical
Source: https://www.askiitians.com/revision-notes/class-8-science/some-natural-
approaches. Also, Natural
phenomena/#:~:text=Figure%201%20Examples%20of%20Natural
%20Phenomenon

(Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences (Module 1 Quarter 3) Page 2

Sciences can be further categorized into Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences and many
more.

According to Buchel (1992), the birth of natural science was influenced by the Renaissance thinkers who
questioned earlier explanations about the world and turned to more systematic methods of investigation. Natural
sciences arose from curiosity about the world as well as the endeavor to transform nature in favor of human
necessities of life (Buchel, 1992). Early leaders of this Scientific Revolution included Copernicus and Galileo who
were concerned with Physical science and astronomy.

Scientific methods according to The New American Oxford Dictionary, scientific methods in general as methods
consisting the following steps (See fig. 1 below) characterizing natural science since 17 th Century and no doubt
the most important method used in the natural sciences.

Systematic
Results and
Obseravtion Experimentation Discussion

Formation of Data Conclusions

Hypothesis Gathering

Figure 3. Steps of Scientific Method

In the process of researches or studies regarding natural sciences different limitations can arise and limit the
research process. Among the most common limitations are technical and financial boundaries. Technical
boundaries are related to inability to conduct precise measurements (ex. The need of Electron Microscope,
Geiger counter and etc.). On the other hand, Financial boundaries play a role in most research projects
especially severe when expensive equipment has to be employed (ex. Experiments which space shuttles have to
be launched, or infrastructure such as CERN (European Laboratory for Particle Physics or European
Organization for Nuclear Research) laboratory is required.

Humanities

Humanities, differently, are academic disciplines that study numerous human conditions and the manners
wherein the human experiences are treated and recorded. Additionally, these studies aim to comprehend the
human perspective of individuals’ social existence and the responses these people are displaying on different
occurrences. For instance, the literary works of Jose Rizal, such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, aim
to educate the Filipinos on the persecutions experienced by our countrymen during the Spanish regime.

Even though these three fields of study are different from one another, they are also sharing a few similarities in
some areas. Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Humanities are all employing the scientific method in

(Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences (Module 1 Quarter 3) Page 3

producing knowledge, though this systematic process is more usual in Social Sciences and Natural Sciences
since Humanities are more focused on the creative expressions of human experiences. When it comes to the
similarity between Social Sciences and Humanities, some of the disciplines of Social Sciences are also affiliated
with Humanities such as Anthropology, Linguistics, and, especially, History. History is considered as the
borderline to the two fields of knowledge since its methods and insights penetrate both Social Sciences and
Humanities.

ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1: COMPARE AND CONTRAST SOCIAL SCIENCES, NATURAL SCIENCES, AND HUMANITIES
Directions:
1. Compare and contrast Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Humanities
2. Make your Triple Venn Diagram on a separate sheet of paper.
3. Answer the guide questions below.

Social
sciences

Natural
Humanities
sciences

Guide Questions:
1. What are the similarities of Social Science to Natural Science and Humanities?
2. How does Social Science differ from Natural Science?
3. How does Social Science differ from Humanities?

Assessment
Directions: MODIFIED TRUE OR FALSE. Write True if the underlined word is correct and write the Correct
Answer if the statement is False. Write your answer on a clean sheet of paper.

___________1. Interviews, Surveys, and Case studies are investigatory methods used in Natural Sciences.
___________2. Financial issue is one of the reasons that can hinder both Natural and Social Science Research.
___________3. Social Sciences deal with the phenomena of social interaction and coexistence.
___________4. Aristotle and Galileo were the early leaders of Natural Sciences who were concerned with the
problems regarding astronomy and physics.
___________5. Survey Method is the most popular method used in Natural Science Investigation.

(Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences (Module 1 Quarter 3) Page 4

REFERENCES

A. BOOK
Abulencia, Arthur S. Sadera, Jefferson, Arabit-Zapatos, Ma. Lorella C., Reyes, Wensley M.,

Serafico, Nikolee Marie A. (2017). Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences. Pasig

City, Philippines: DepEd-Bureau of Learning Resources.

B. ONLINE SOURCES

Society. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from

https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/society

http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/40587/8/10_chapter1.pdf

http://warehouse.olc.edu/~sauer/webfolder/SoSc103/SoSc103_reader_30MB_color.pdf

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sociology/chapter/theoretical-perspectives.pdf

Prepared by:

AHRLYNN F. MATEO
SHS Teacher II

Reviewed by:

GLEN MARK R. AFRICA., MAEd English LIZAN C. ESTILLORE

Master Teacher I SHS Teacher II

Noted:

GREG S. MINGUA., JD BENJIE P. BAUTISTA

SHS Asst. Principal II Principal IV

(Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences (Module 1 Quarter 3) Page 5