Difference Between Natural Science and Social Science

Main Difference – Natural Science vs Social Science

Science can be described generally as an effort to understand, explain and make predictions about the world using distinct methods of inquiry in an attempt to construct theories. Science can be classified into two main branches known as natural science and social science. Natural science is a branch of science that deals with the natural world whereas social science is a branch of science that deals with human society and social relationships. Thus, the main difference between natural science and social science is that natural science studies natural events whereas social science studies the human society.

This article will explain,

1. What is Natural Science?
– Definition, Characteristics, Sub-branches, Related Professions

2. What is Social Science?
– Definition, Characteristics, Sub-branches, Related Professions

3. What is the difference between Natural Science and Social Science?

What is Natural Science

Natural science deals with the natural world. It is concerned with the phenomena and objects of nature and the physical world. Natural science involves comprehension, description, and prediction of natural phenomena using empirical and observational evidence. Hypothesis formed in natural sciences must be verified scientifically to be regarded as a scientific theory.

Natural science can be divided into two main branches known as biological science (life science) and physical science. Biological science is concerned with living organisms whereas physical science is concerned with the physical world. Physical science is divided into sub-branches, including chemistry, physics, astronomy and Earth science. These branches can be further divided into more specialized fields.

Natural science is one of the major categories of academic disciplines chosen by students all over the world. This branch of natural science is often simply called science, or scientific study. Many popular professions such as doctor, nurse, engineer, geologist, astronomer, chemist, biologist, etc. require knowledge of natural science.

What is Social Science

Social Science is a vast field that is concerned with the human society and the relationships among individuals within it. This field also has a vast number of sub-fields such as economics, geography, political science, anthropology, history, archeology, linguistics, law, and sociology.

The beginning of Social Sciences as a field of study can be traced back to the 18^th century. Social scientists use scientific methods that resemble those used in natural sciences to understand the society; however, social critique and interpretive methods are also used in social science.

Social science students can pursue professions such as lawyer, judge, social worker, historian, archaeologist, journalist, writer, teacher, linguist, librarian, accountant, etc.

Definition

Natural Science: Natural science is a branch of science that deals with the physical world.

Social Science: Social science is the study of human society and social relationships.

Sub-Branches

Natural Science: Natural science includes fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and astronomy.

Social Science: Social science includes fields such as economics, political science, law, geography, education, history, linguistics, and anthropology.

Methods

Natural Science: Natural sciences always use scientific methods.

Social Science: Social sciences use scientific methods as well as other methods.

Professions

Natural Science: Students of natural science can become medical doctors, nurses, engineers, biologists, chemists, astronomers, etc.

Social Science: Students of social science can become lawyers, linguists, historians, writers, journalists, teachers, accountants, etc.

Image Courtersy:

“Natural Science Montage” By Misc. – File:Chemicals in flasks.jpgFile:Georgia Aquarium – Giant Grouper.jpgStarsinthesky.jpgTopspun.jpgVolcano q.jpg (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

“Social sciences” By .משתמש:נעמה מ.P_social_sciences.png:derivative work: Vaikunda Raja (talk) 09:44, 17 July 2009 (UTC) – P_social_sciences.png (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia