Philosophy or Science?

The article presents an examination and critique of the article, "Learning about Scientific Methodology and the 'Big Picture' of Science: The Contribution of Pendulum Motion Studies," by Michael R. Matthews, which appeared in the December 2001, issue of "Philosophy of Education." The authors disagree with Matthews about the relationship between data and phenomena, especially in relation to the work of Galileo and Newton, and are reluctant to place the burden of teaching scientific methodology upon philosophical discussion. The authors urge that a distinction should be made between teaching the philosophy of science and teaching science, and note the importance for science teachers of knowing when they complement, conflict with, or are irrelevant to one another.