18. Examine the classification of scientific methods of cognition. Рассмотрите

классификацию общенаучных методов познания.

Methods of scientific knowledge can be subdivided according to their degree of generality, that is, the breadth of applicability of the process of scientific research in the general, and general scientific chastnonauchnogo.

General methods known in the history of knowledge two: dialectical and metaphysical. This general philosophical methods worldview. Metaphysical method of cognition as distinct from dialectical considering things and phenomena as detached, independent of each other as complete, unchangeable, once and for all data, denies the inherently contradictory objects and phenomena. The fundamental principles of the dialectical method is the principle and the principle of universal interconnection of objects and phenomena of the material world. Metaphysical method from the middle of the XIX century began more and more displaced from the natural sciences dialectical method.

The second group of methods of knowledge constitute the scientific methods that are used in various fields of science, that is, have a very broad interdisciplinary range of applications. Classification of scientific methods is closely linked with the concept of levels of scientific knowledge.

There are two levels of scientific knowledge: empirical and theoretical. Some scientific methods are applied only at the empirical level (observation, experiment, measurement), others - only on a theoretical (idealization, formalization), and some (eg, modeling) - both empirically and theoretically.

Empirical level of scientific knowledge is characterized by the direct study of real-life, sensible objects. At this level, the process of accumulation of information about the studied objects, phenomena through observation, a variety of measurements of the experiments. There is also produced primary systematization of evidence obtained in the form of tables, charts, graphs, etc.

At the theoretical level, there is an opening of the deepest, essential aspects, connections, regularities inherent in the object being studied, phenomena. Theoretical level - higher level of scientific knowledge. The results of theoretical knowledge are hypotheses, theories and laws.

Highlighting the scientific study these two different levels, should not, however, to tear them apart and contrast. After theoretical and empirical levels of knowledge are interrelated. Empirical level serves as a framework, the theoretical foundation.

Hypotheses and theories are formed in the theoretical understanding of scientific facts, statistics produced at the empirical level. Besides theoretical thinking inevitably relies on sensory and visual images (including charts, graphs, etc.), dealt with by the empirical level of research.

In turn, the empirical level of scientific knowledge can not exist without the achievements of the theoretical level. Empirical research is usually based on some theoretical construct that defines the direction of the study, causes and justifies the methods applied in this case.

The third group of methods of scientific knowledge are the methods used only in studies of a particular science or a particular phenomenon. Such methods are called chastnonauchnogo. Each individual sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, etc.) has its own specific research methods.