It's a big question and not silly at all. Here is my try at an answer....
Psychology is a science. Scientific fact or "truth" is knowledge about the
natural world that is valid because of the particular methods used to
produce it. The method includes being empirical, rational and cautiously
sceptical. Scientific facts must stand the test of replication and
consensual validation.
Philosophy is a field of rational inquiry. Philosophical truths can be
about matters other than those of the 'natural world'. Philosophical truths
have to stand the test of logic and reason, not empirical consensual
validation.
Both are useful and practical. Both rely on logic and reason. Both are
methods of arriving at "truth" as opposed to being fixed compendiums of
knowledge, or revealed truths or dogmas (although what constitutes truth is
different for each).
have fun
. . . Jan
Jan Douglas Thompson
Professor
School of Community and Liberal Studies
Sheridan College
1430 Trafalgar Rd
Oakville, ON L6H 2L1
Canada
----- Original Message -----
From: "Will Will" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2001 2:21 PM
Subject: Psychology versus Philosophy
> Here is a silly question that was raised at the end of
> class today that took me back: What differentiates the
> fields of psychoogy from philosophy? This was asked
> during my 12-week Intro course that started today and
> I ended up having to say that I would get back to
> them.
>
> Any opinions would be more than welcomed.
>
> William Frederick
> Adjunct Faculty, Lake Land College
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail - only $35
> a year! http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/
