BICOL COLLEGE

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Cor. J. P. Rizal & R.F. Tabuena St.
Daraga, Albay, Philippines 4501

S.Y. 2020 – 2021

Second Semester
 Quarter III – Module 1:
Nature and Functions of Social
Science Disciplines with the Natural
Sciences
Module 1: Nature and Functions of Social
Science Disciplines with the Natural
Sciences

Society is the place where social interactions and the human relationship with his/her
environment happens. On the other hand, humans are the prime
movers of interactions, and they cause changes that occur in our society. Because of
human eagerness to explain what is happening in the world, it resulted in the birth of
the three major divisions of sciences: the social sciences, natural sciences, and
humanities. These sciences are interrelated with the common primary goal to explain
how man is influenced by society and how society is shaped by man.
As a Senior High School student, some of your responsibilities
are increasing your knowledge, widening your awareness, and deepening your
understanding of our world. As humans interacting with society, we need to study the
sciences and the disciplines that will significantly help us make sense of the things
around us.

In this module, you will learn the nature and functions of Social Science
disciplines with the natural sciences.

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Differentiate the nature and functions of Social Science disciplines with the
Natural Sciences and Humanities.
At the end of the module, you should be able to:

1.
Discuss the nature and functions of Social Science disciplines with the
natural sciences;

2.
Identify carefully the importance of nature and functions of Social Science
disciplines with the natural sciences in our reallife situations; and

3.
Cite practical real-life situations that can distinguish social sciences to
natural sciences.

Since you already know our target for this module, are you ready to learn more?
I hope that you will enjoy all the activities and reading materials that we have
prepared for you. Good luck and happy learning to you.

1. Natural Science – any of the sciences (such as physics, chemistry, or biology) that
deal with matter, energy, and their interrelations and transformations or with
objectively measurable phenomena
2. Science - knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the
operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific
method
3. Social Science – a branch of science that deals with the institutions and
functioning of human society and with the interpersonal relationships of
individuals as members of society.

DIRECTIONS. Choose the best answer to the following questions/statements below.

Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following statements does BEST describe social sciences? A. It is an

academic discipline that deals with the study of human interaction with different
social institutions.
B. It is a body of knowledge that deals with nature.
C. It is a branch of science concerned with the institutions and functions of
human society.
D. None of the above.

2. Which of the following statements does BEST describe natural sciences?

A. It is an academic discipline that deals with living and non-living things.
B. It is a body of knowledge concerned with scientific bases.
C. It is a branch of science concerned with humans and nature.
D. All of the above.

3. It refers to the holistic "science of man," a science of the totality of human

existence.
A. Anthropology B. Biology C. Chemistry D. Sociology

4. The following are branches of Social Sciences, EXCEPT:

A. Biology B. Anthropology C. Economics D. Sociology

5. The following are branches of Natural Sciences, EXCEPT:

A. Biology B. Chemistry C. Physics D. History

6. It refers to the branch of natural science which deals with the study of living
organisms, including behavior and development.
A. Anthropology B. Genetics C. Biology D. Law
7. Which of the following is/are sub-branch/es of Natural Science?
A. Life Science C. Earth Science
B. Physical Science D. Both A and B.

8. What is the difference between the social sciences and natural sciences? A. Social
Sciences and Natural Sciences both deal with human nature and social
interaction.
B. Social Sciences and Natural Sciences both don’t deal with human nature
and social interaction.
C. Social Sciences focuses on the functions of human society, while Natural
Sciences focuses on nature where humans are affected.
D. Social Sciences deals with human and social interaction. In contrast,
Natural Sciences deals with how humans interact with their nature and
vice-versa.
9. What is the similarity between the social sciences and natural sciences?
A. Social sciences and natural sciences are both sciences concerning human
existence and relationship with the place he/she belongs to.
B. Social sciences and natural sciences are interrelated to each other that
seeks to discuss human and nature’s existence. C. Both A and B.
D. None of the above.

10. How important is it to know the nature and functions of social sciences and
natural sciences and their relationship with each other?
A. They are different in nature but the same in functions.
B. They are the same in nature but different in functions.
C. They are the same in nature and functions.
D. They are integrated, interrelated, and interdisciplinary in nature and
functions.

SOCIAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE: AN INTRODUCTION

The human quest to search the truth and investigate phenomena to satisfy
human curiosity and maximize our existence is the primary reason why we continue
in our journey to broaden our knowledge and understanding about the world and
humans. With this, man is inclined to organize a system of knowledge that will study
general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested
through a scientific method or what we call science (Merriam-Webster).
Science establishes truths and laws through scientific methods such as
investigation, inquiry, experimentation, and observation that combine into research.
Its cover is comprehensive that is why it is divided into three major sub-branches of
knowledge or academic disciplines: social sciences, natural sciences, and
humanities. These three branches of science are interrelated and helping each other
to discuss the nature and function of different sciences, which is a very essential part
of the academic disciplines of the world and humans.
 In this module, we will learn the nature and functions of Social Science
disciplines with the natural sciences and humanities.

LESSON 1 – NATURE AND FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE

Social Science is an academic discipline and a branch of science that deals with
the institutions and functioning of human society and with the interpersonal
relationships of individuals as members of society (Merriam-Webster).

It started during the Age of

Enlightenment between the 17th
to 19th centuries. This period is
also known as the “Age of
Reason,” which was an intellectual
and philosophical movement that
began in Europe. Social science
was merely taught as a natural
philosophy, but later on, when the
Age of Revolutions began,
specifically the Industrial
Revolution and the French
Revolution in Europe, it
was conceptualized as moral
philosophy and then as science
which was experimental or applied that focused on the systematic knowledge-
bases or
prescriptive practices, relating to the social improvement of a group of interacting
entities.

There was extensive growth of social science in the 18 th century. Pioneers during that
time were Denis Diderot, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Auguste Comte, who
emphasized social science as a distinct conceptual field and reflected in other
specialized encyclopedias. Later on, the discipline was influenced by “positivism,”
focusing on knowledge based on actual positive sense experience and avoiding the
negative and metaphysical speculation. It was Auguste Comte, who used first the
term “science sociale” taken from the idea of Charles Fourier, and he also called it
“social physics”
Fu rthermore, during this period, the concept of social
sciences became established in the five (5) paths of
development influenced by Comte in other fields. First,
the rise of social research and extensive statistical
surveys were undertaken in various parts of Europe and
the United States. Second, a route initiated by Emile
Durkheim about “social facts” and Vilfredo Pareto
introduced the metatheoretical ideas and individual
theories. Third, the rise of methodological
dichotomy became present and the social
phenomena were identified and understood
because of Max Weber. Fourth, the
development of economic knowledge and
concept was also introduced. Last was that
the correlation of knowledge and social
values prospered, and the theory became
description and prescription avoided the
overlapping discussions of a subject.

In the 20th century, the concept of social sciences became

interdisciplinary, crossdisciplinary, and quantitative in methodology. Applied
mathematics and statistics were used during this time. Later on, social
sciences influenced the field of natural sciences and adopted the qualitative
method. There was an increase in the quantitative research and qualitative approach
because the two were integrated into the study of human action and its implications
and consequences.

In the contemporary period, social

science became the source and center for
research and data. There was an
emergence of new theories because
of
different research methodologies used. Two
social scientists were influenced by this,
and these were Karl Popper and Talcott Parson.

Generally, the term “social science” may

refer to the specific “sciences of society” established by scholars such as Auguste
Comte, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max
Weber. Disciplines outside of “noble science” and “arts” recognized this academic
discipline and branch of science.

B. Branches

Social Science is an academic discipline that focuses on the relationships of

institutions, the function of a person in society, and other members of society.
Consequently, social sciences have several sub-disciplines or branches that can
explain different fields and disciplines. Here are some of the known branches of
social sciences: anthropology, communication studies, economics, education,
geography, history, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, and sociology.

The following are the salient points of the different branches of social sciences:

BRANCHES OF DESCRIPTION
SOCIAL SCIENCES
✓ It comes from the two Greek words “anthropos”
which means human and “logos,” which means the study
of.
✓ It is the holistic "science of man", a science of the
totality of human existence.
Anthropology
✓ The discipline deals with the integration of different
aspects of the social sciences, humanities, and human
biology.
✓ The one who studies the human existence is called
an Anthropologist.
✓ It deals with practices of human communication,
Communication
commonly defined as the sharing of symbols to create
Studies
meaning.

✓ The discipline encompasses a range of topics, from

faceto-face conversation to mass media outlets such as
television broadcasting.
✓ Communication studies also examine how messages
 are interpreted through the political, cultural, economic,
and social dimensions of their contexts.
✓ It is also known as "speech communication",
"rhetorical studies", "communication science", "media
studies", "communication arts", "mass communication",
"media ecology", and "communication and media science".
✓ It comes from the two Greek words “oikos,” which
means "family, household, estate," and “nomos,” which
means "custom, the law," and hence, it means "household
management" or "management of the state."
Economics ✓ It is a social science that seeks to analyze and
describe the production, distribution, and consumption of
wealth.
✓ The one who studies household management is
called an Economist.
✓ It comes from the Latin word “educare,” which
means “to draw out,” to facilitate the realization of an
individual's potential and talents.
✓ Education includes teaching and learning specific
skills, as well as the less tangible but more insightful
Education development of imparting of knowledge, positive judgment,
and welldeveloped wisdom.
✓ Education, in one of its fundamental aspects,
include the imparting of culture through the generations.
✓ Teachers and educators are what are called to those
taking up and doing the teaching and learning process.
✓ It comes from the two Greek words “geo,” meaning
earth or land, and “graphein,” meaning “description” and
“graphia,” meaning “to write about.”
✓ It is the science that deals with the description,
Geography
distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical,
biological, and cultural features of the earth’s surface.
✓ The one who studies the earth's surface is called a
Geographer.
✓ It comes from the Greek word “historia,” which
means the study of the past and significant events.
✓ It is also defined as a continuous, systematic
History narrative and research into past human events as 9
interpreted through historiographical paradigms or
theories.
✓ The one who studies history is called a historian.
✓ It is the science or philosophy of law.
✓ It is defined as the “system of rules” and
"interpretive concept" to achieve justice, as an "authority"
to mediate people's interests, and even as "the command of
a sovereign, backed by the threat of a sanction."
Law/Jurisprudence
✓ Laws are political because politicians are the ones
who created it.
✓ Studying laws and other political concepts is called
a Political Scientist; however, to become a Lawyer, you
must pass the test called the BAR exam.
 Linguistics ✓ It is the scientific study of language.
✓ It involves the analysis of language form, language
meaning, and language in context.
✓ Linguists are the term used to call people who know
and can speak any language.
✓ Linguists study human speech, including units,
nature, structure, and modification of language.
✓ Linguistics investigates the cognitive and social
aspects of human language.
✓ It comes from the two Greek words “polis,” which
means “cities-state” and “sciere,” which means “study of.”
Therefore, is the study of state affairs.
✓ It is an academic and research discipline that deals
with the theory and practice of politics and the description
Political Science
and analysis of political systems and political behavior.
✓ Political science also studies power in international
relations and the theory of great powers and superpowers.
✓ The one who studies state affairs is called a Political
Scientist.
✓ It comes from the Greek word “psyche,” which
means “mind" and logos, which means "study."
✓ It is an academic and applied field involving the
study of behavior and mental processes.

Psychology ✓ Psychology also refers to the application of such

knowledge to various spheres of human activity, 10
including problems of individuals' daily lives and the
treatment of mental illness.
✓ The one who studies human behavior and mental
processes are called a Psychologist.
✓ It comes from the Greek word “soci,” which is from
the Latin word “socius,” which means “companion or
society in general and “logos,” which means “study.”
✓ Sociology is the systematic study of society,
Sociology individuals' relationship to their societies, the
consequences of difference, and other aspects of human
social action.
✓ The one who studies the society is called a
Sociologist.

LESSON 2 - NATURE AND FUNCTION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES WITH THE

NATURAL SCIENCES
A. General Concepts and Historical Background

Since the beginning, humans have

always been curious about what is
happening in themselves and their
environment. Many theories and
laws explain the different
phenomena and changes in our
bodies, environment, society, and
the world. Early people sought to
 explain these phenomena through mythology. The advancement of science and
technology has proven to examine the natural causation of things and thus
has debunked numerous
superstitions and mythical beliefs.
However, not all people are informed, and
some still believe in the unseen as the clash
between scientific, mythological,
and religious views are going on.
Natural Science and Social Science are
related and integrated into one another and
work hand in hand in explaining the
concurrent and existing theories and
changes happening in humans, the
environment, society, and the world as a
whole. Because man, environment,
humanities, and society cannot be studied using one discipline of science alone, their
collaboration makes the understanding of the man and the world relevant and
complete.
To analyze how natural science developed through time, let us take a glance at
its historical background. It is divided into six (6) periods: ancient times, Aristotelian
natural philosophy, medieval natural philosophy, Newton and the scientific
revolution, 19th-century developments, and modern natural science.
The following are brief discussion and salient points on the historical
background of natural science as an academic discipline:
PERIODS DESCRIPTIONS
✓ This is the period where the Ancient
Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus, and China believed that
happenings in the world and to humans are a
product of mythological and religious revelations.
Ancient Times (3500- ✓ Scholars trace that this period where
3000 BCE) understanding the natural world was necessary for
survival. Humans developed observation and
curiosity about the behavior of animals and the
usefulness of plants as a source of food and
medicine.
Aristotelian Natural ✓ This is the period where Aristotle gave much
Philosophy attention to the physical and natural world. He was
(400 BCE-1100 CE) a pioneer and became known as the Father of
Biology. Some of his works were about astronomy,
meteorology, zoology, and physics.
✓ His works were used as references during the
Ancient Romans, the Byzantine Empire, and
Abbasid Caliphates.
✓ His principle served as an inspiration to
Galileo Galilei during Scientific Revolution.

Medieval Natural ✓ This is the period where the Catholic Church

Philosophy become a dominant monopoly of knowledge with
(1100-1600 CE) regards to natural philosophy. Theologians opposed
natural science because they considered it as
heresy.
 ✓ During the Middle Ages, those who study and
experiment on natural science were considered
performers of magic and members of the occult. ✓
Later on, theologians like Thomas Aquinas and
Albertus Magnus have seen natural philosophy as a
theological perspective that can be used in church
dogma and scriptures.
✓ This is the period where some of the
Newton and the Scientific
Aristotelian natural philosophy debunk and the rise
Revolution
of protestant reformation begun to start conducted a
(1600-1800 CE)
scientific inquiry.
✓ This was also the birth of scientific revolution
wherein more natural philosophers gave different
perspectives and methodologies in terms of natural
science as natural philosophy. ✓ There was the rise
of the scientific method as a new way of scientific
inquiry and investigation. Experiment and
hypotheses formulation became essentials as new
scientific-based. Logic and mathematics became the
tools to interpret and analyze cause and effect.
✓ Sir Isaac Newton, an English Mathematician,
and Physicist became the most highlighted natural
scientist in this time because of his Law of
Gravitational Force and Laws of Motion.
✓ This is the period where natural philosophy
become officially named as natural science.
19th Century Development ✓ Natural Science institutions emerged, and
(1800-1900) more professionals linked to this new field. The term
scientist used to identify persons studying natural
science was invented by William Whewell in 1834.
✓ The natural science prospers and further
develops in this period. Inventions, discoveries, and
experimentations are used for the betterment of
man, society, and environment.

Modern Natural Science ✓ New branches of natural science were created,

(1900-present) including mechanics, electrodynamics, and
thermodynamics.
✓ Today, natural sciences are commonly divided
into life sciences, such as botany and zoology, and
physical sciences, which include physics, chemistry,
astronomy, and Earth sciences.

B. Branches
Natural Science is divided into two (2) major
branches, which are the Life Sciences
(Biological Sciences) and Physical Sciences.
Life science is a branch of science that deals
with the scientific study of life and organisms,
such as microorganisms, plants, animals, and
human
beings. Some
of the
primary
subbranches of it are anatomy, biology,
 botany, genetics, and zoology. On the other hand, Physical science is a
branch of natural science that deals
with the study of non-living systems. Some of the primary sub-branches of it are
Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics. The following are the salient
points of the different branches of natural sciences:

BRANCHES OF
DESCRIPTIONS
LIFE SCIENCE
Anatomy ✓ It comes from the Greek word “anatome” means
dissection. It’s a branch of natural science which deals with
the structural organization of living things such as plants,
animals, humans, and other organisms.
✓ A person studying anatomy is called an Anatomist.
Biology ✓ It comes from the two Greek words “bios,” which
means life and “logos,” which means study.
✓ It is a branch of natural science which deals with the
study of living organisms, including behavior and
development.
✓ A person studying biology is called a biologist.
Botany ✓ It comes from the Greek word “botane,” which means
pasture, grass, or plant.
✓ It is a branch of natural science which deals with the
study of different species of plants.
✓ A person studying plants is called a Botanist.
Genetics ✓ It is a branch of natural science which deals with the
study concerning genes, genetic variation, and hereditary of
organisms.
✓ It also includes how human traits are passed from
parents to offspring through the genetic units called genes.
Zoology ✓ It comes from the two Greek words “zoion,” which
means animal and “logos,” which means knowledge or study.
✓ It is a branch of natural science that deals with the
study of animal kingdom, structure, evolution, classification,
and distribution of animals and how they interact with their
ecosystems.
✓ A person studying zoology is called a zoologist.

BRANCHES OF
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
SCIENCE
Astronomy ✓ It is the study of celestial objects (such as stars, galaxies,
planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and nebulae), physics,
chemistry, and evolution of such objects, and phenomena
that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth, including
supernovae explosions, gamma-ray bursts, and cosmic
microwave background radiation.
Chemistry ✓ It is the study of the composition, structure, properties, and
changes of matter.
Earth Science ✓ It is the study of how the natural environment
(ecosphere or Earth system) works and how it evolved to its
current state.
 ✓ It includes the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere,
lithosphere, and biosphere.
Physics ✓ It is the study of matter and motion through space and
time, along with related concepts such as energy and force.
✓ Moreover, it is the general analysis of nature,
conducted to understand how the universe behaves

TASK NO. 1. DATA RETRIEVAL CHART.

DIRECTIONS: Your task is to discuss the nature and functions of social
sciences and natural sciences. You can use the text you read a while ago in
answering this task. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

A. Nature and Functions of Social Sciences Disciplines and Natural Sciences

ACADEMIC
NATURE AND FUNCTIONS BRANCHES
DISCIPLINES
1. Social Sciences

2. Natural Sciences

B. Nature and Functions of different branches of Social Sciences and Natural

Sciences

BRANCHES OF
NATURE AND FUNCTIONS
SOCIAL SCIENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

BRANCHES OF
NATURE AND FUNCTIONS
NATURAL SCIENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
 7.
8.
9.

TASK NO. 2. MY REFLECTIVE THINKING.

DIRECTIONS: Your task is to identify the importance of nature and functions of Social
Science disciplines and natural sciences in real-life situations. You can use the text
you read a while ago in answering this task. Give at least 5 importance for each
discipline and explain. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

A. Social Sciences

IMPORTANCE OF NATURE AND

EXAMPLE OF REAL-LIFE APPLICATION
FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

B. Natural Sciences

IMPORTANCE OF NATURE AND

EXAMPLE OF REAL-LIFE APPLICATION
FUNCTIONS OF NATURAL SCIENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Reflective Questions:
1. What do you think is the significance of knowing the importance of nature and
functions of social sciences disciplines with natural sciences in our real-life
situations? 2. Identify proof that social sciences are interrelated, integrated, and
interdisciplinary with natural sciences.

DIRECTIONS. Choose the best answer to the following questions/statements below.

Write the chosen letter on your answer sheet.
1. Which of the following statements does NOT describe social sciences?
I. It is an academic discipline that deals with the study of human interaction
to different social institutions.
II. It is a body of knowledge that deals with nature.
III. It is a branch of science concerned with the institutions and functions of
human society.
 IV. It is a body of knowledge that deals with human society and social
interaction.

A. I and II B. III and IV C. I, II, and III D. IV only

2. Which of the following statements does BEST describe natural sciences?
I. It is an academic discipline that deals with living and non-living things. II.
It is a body of knowledge concerned with a scientific basis.
III. It is a branch of science concerned with humans and nature. IV. It is a
systematic study using the scientific method.

A. I and II B. III and IV C. I, II, and III D. I, II, III, and IV

3. Which of the following statements does BEST describe Anthropology?

A. It refers to the holistic "science of man," a science of the totality of human
existence.
B. Came from the two Greek words, “anthropos” means human, and “logos”
means study.
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above.

4. The following are branches of Social Sciences, EXCEPT:

A. Economics B. Anthropology C. Economics D. Chemistry

5. The following are branches of Natural Sciences, EXCEPT:

A. Biology B. Archaeology C. Physics D. Zoology

6. Which of the following statements does BEST describe Biology?

A. It refers to the branch of natural science, which deals with the study of living
organisms, including behavior and development. B. It refers to the study of
past events.
C. It refers to the study of human remains, such as fossils and artifacts.
D. All of the above.

7. The following are sub-branches of Natural Science:

I. Life Science III. Social Science II. Physical Science IV. Humanities

A. I and II B. III and IV C. I, II, and III D. I, II, III, and IV

8. Which of the following statement/s below BEST differentiate/s social sciences with
natural sciences?
I. Social Sciences and Natural Sciences both deal with human nature and social
interaction.
II. Social Sciences and Natural Sciences both don’t deal with human nature
and social interaction.
III. Social Sciences focuses on the functions of human society; however,
Natural Sciences focuses on nature where human affected.
IV. Social Sciences deals with human and social interaction; however,
Natural Sciences deals with how human interacted with his/her nature and
vice-versa.

A. I and II B. III and IV C. IV only D. None of the

above

9. What is the similarity between social sciences to natural sciences?

I. Social sciences and natural sciences are both sciences that concern with
human existence and relationship to his/her place he/she belongs.
 II. Social sciences and natural sciences are interrelated to each other that
seeks to discuss human and nature’s existence.
III. Social sciences are superior to natural sciences.
IV. Social sciences are inferior to natural sciences.

A. I and II B. III and IV C. I, II, and III D. I, II, III, and IV

10. How important is it to know the nature and functions of social sciences and
natural sciences to each other?
I. They are different in nature but the same in functions.
II. They are the same in nature but different in functions.
III. They are the same in nature and functions.
IV. They are integrated, interrelated, and interdisciplinary in nature and
functions.
V. They are interdisciplinary, and they are helping each other to deepen and
give a more constructive and science-based explanation of what is
happening in our society, to us a human, and to the world itself.

A. I, II, and III B. IV and V C. I, II, III, and IV D. I and II