Life science focuses on the study of living organisms, while social science examines human behavior and societies.
The core distinction lies in their subject matter: one examines the natural world of living things, and the other analyzes human interactions and societal structures. The following table breaks down the key differences:
| Feature | Life Science | Social Science |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Matter | Living organisms (humans, plants, animals, etc.) | Humans, groups, societies, economies, and their behaviors |
| Focus | Biological processes, structures, and functions | Social interactions, cultural norms, and societal development |
| Examples | Biology, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Microbiology | Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Anthropology, Political Science |
Deeper Dive
Life sciences, as highlighted in the reference, include disciplines like biology (the study of human bodies) and botany (the study of plants). These fields explore the inner workings of organisms, their evolution, and their interactions with the environment.
Social science, on the other hand, investigates people or collections of people, such as groups, firms, societies, or economies, and their individual or collective behaviors. This encompasses a wide range of subjects, from individual psychology to global economic trends.
Examples in Practice
- Life Science Example: A life scientist might study how a new drug affects the human body.
- Social Science Example: A social scientist might study how social media influences political opinions.
Summary
In essence, while life science seeks to understand the natural world of living organisms, social science seeks to understand human behavior and societal structures.
