Until the 18th century, science and philosophy were not regarded as separate disciplines. Natural philosophy was the term used for the branch of philosophy that sought to understand the fundamental structure and nature of the universe, whether by theoretical or experimental methods.
With the development of ‘modern’ science through the 18th and 19th centuries, however, there developed a range of specialist interests and methodologies, so that particular scientific experimentation and observation starts off from the more general and theoretical considerations of philosophy.
It also became increasingly difficult for any one person to have a specialist working knowledge of all branches of science, quite apart from all branches of philosophy. Hence the activity of scientists and philosophers started to be distinguished, with the latter carrying out a secondary function of checking on the underlying principles of those engaged in science.
The philosophy of science, as a separate branch of philosophy, is first found in the writings of William Whewell (1794-1886), who wrote both on the history of science and also (in 1840) on The Philosophy of Inductive Sciences, Founded upon their History. Nevertheless, we need to be aware that some of the greatest names in philosophy, both before and after science appeared as a separate discipline, were also involved with mathematics and science.
? It was Aristotle who set out the different sciences and gave both science and philosophy much of its later terminology.
? For some, science was an influence on their overall philosophy and view of the world.
But it would be wrong to think that the influence has all been one way, with philosophy gently guarding and nurturing its young, scientific offshoot. Some movements in philosophy (e.g. the logical positivists of the early 20th century) were particularly espoused by those who were qualified in the sciences and their aim, that the meaning of statements should be backed up by evidence, reflects the scientific approach.
Science cannot, of course, understand or communicate anything without using language and concepts. Hence it is valid exercise for anyone, whether coming from philosophical or scientific background, to explore the meaning of the language scientist’s use and the methodologists that govern their work.