Understanding What Is-and Is Not-a Natural Science: Comprehensive Guide

By Alexander HamiltonLast Updated April 21, 2025

Introduction: Navigating the Boundaries of Natural Science

The question “which of the following is not considered a natural science?” is a common one for students, educators, and anyone interested in the organization of knowledge. Understanding what qualifies as a natural science-and what does not-can clarify your educational choices, career planning, and engagement with scientific and academic disciplines. This guide will help you distinguish natural sciences from other fields, with detailed explanations, real-world examples, and practical steps for accessing resources and courses in each domain.

Defining Natural Science: What Counts?

Natural science is a branch of science focused on understanding, describing, and predicting natural phenomena through observation, experimentation, and empirical evidence. It is characterized by systematic methods, use of the scientific method, and the goal of uncovering laws governing the physical universe [1] , [5] . Natural science is typically divided into two main branches:

Physical sciences (such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and Earth sciences)
Life sciences (such as biology, botany, zoology, and related fields)

Disciplines in natural science use empirical methods, rely on measurable phenomena, and often use mathematics and logic as analytical tools [2] . They seek to explain the workings of the natural world-everything from atoms and molecules to ecosystems and planetary systems.

What Is Not Considered a Natural Science?

To answer the core question-some fields of study, though scientific or systematic in their own right, are not classified as natural sciences. These include:

Social sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology): These study human society, behavior, and social institutions, using qualitative and quantitative methods. While they employ scientific techniques, their primary focus is on human constructs rather than natural phenomena.
Formal sciences (e.g., mathematics, logic, statistics): These are abstract disciplines concerned with formal systems and structures, not with physical or natural phenomena. Mathematics, while crucial to all sciences, is not itself a natural science [1] .
Humanities (e.g., history, philosophy, literature, art): These explore human culture, experience, interpretation, and values. Their methods and subject matter differ fundamentally from those of natural sciences.

For example, if presented with a list such as: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, and Physics- Economics is not a natural science; it is a social science.

Key Features That Distinguish Natural Sciences

To determine whether a field is a natural science, consider these defining features:

Empirical Approach: Natural sciences rely on observation and experimentation in the natural world [3] .
Objectivity: They aim for unbiased, reproducible results and use the scientific method to test hypotheses.
Focus on Natural Phenomena: These sciences investigate matter, energy, and natural processes.
Use of Quantitative Measurement: Natural sciences often use mathematics for modeling and explaining physical realities.

In contrast, social sciences may use similar methods but study human-created systems, and humanities focus on interpretation and subjective analysis.

Examples: Natural vs. Non-Natural Sciences

Below are examples to clarify the distinction. Imagine you are given a multiple-choice question: “Which of the following is
not
a natural science?” with these options:

Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics

The answer is Mathematics . While mathematics is essential to scientific inquiry, it is a formal science, not a natural science [1] .

Another example:

Astronomy
Geology
Psychology
Earth Science

Here, Psychology is a social science (though it sometimes overlaps with biological sciences), not a natural science in the strictest sense [4] .

Practical Guidance: How to Identify a Natural Science

If you’re unsure whether a field is a natural science, try these steps:

Check the Subject Matter: Does it focus on the physical universe, living organisms, or natural processes?
Review the Methodology: Does it use the scientific method, including observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis?
Consult Reliable Sources: Textbooks, university program descriptions, and authoritative websites can clarify disciplinary boundaries. For example, university science departments often list their programs and categorize them by natural or social sciences.

When in doubt, you can search for the name of the field plus “natural science” or “social science” on reputable educational websites or in academic databases.

Accessing Educational Opportunities in Different Fields

Whether you’re interested in natural sciences or fields outside of them, there are many pathways to further study. Here’s how you can proceed:

Natural Sciences: Universities typically offer degrees and courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, and Astronomy. To find programs, visit the official website of your preferred university or college, navigate to the science faculty, and review their degree offerings. You can also contact admissions departments for guidance on application processes and requirements.
Non-Natural Sciences: If you’re interested in areas like Economics, Psychology, or History, search for the respective department or faculty in the institution’s directory. Most university websites clearly distinguish between faculties of science, arts, and social sciences.
Online Courses: Many reputable platforms, such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy, provide free and paid courses in a range of scientific and academic disciplines. To access these, go to the official platform website, create an account if needed, and search for your subject of interest.
Further Guidance: If you’re uncertain about which pathway to pursue, consider reaching out to academic advisors at your local community college or university. You may also search for “how to choose a major” on official educational websites for structured resources.

Remember, if you cannot find a direct link to an official university or program, use precise search terms such as “[university name] science programs” or “[college name] social sciences courses” to locate information.

Challenges in Classification and Interdisciplinary Fields

Not all fields fit neatly into one category. For example, psychology can be both a social and a biological science, depending on its focus and methods. Environmental science often combines natural science with aspects of policy and social science. When selecting a program or field of study, review the curriculum to understand which disciplines and methods are emphasized.

Alternative Approaches and Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more information or alternative explanations, consider these options:

Consult Academic Advisors: Most universities and colleges offer free advising services to help clarify which disciplines align with your interests and goals.
Explore Public Libraries: Libraries often have guides or subject specialists who can help you distinguish between natural and non-natural sciences.
Use Government and Educational Resources: In the U.S., the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education provide resources and data on science education and classification.

If you are searching online for official program information, always use the official website of the institution or agency, and look for .edu or .gov domains where possible. If you are unsure, type the name of the institution or agency into your preferred search engine, followed by the program or department you are seeking.

Key Takeaways

– Natural sciences study the physical world through empirical and objective methods. – Fields such as mathematics, economics, psychology, history, and philosophy are
not
considered natural sciences , though they may be rigorous in their own right. – When choosing a field of study, use official educational and government resources for accurate information. – For guidance, consult academic advisors, public libraries, or official institutional websites. – When in doubt, search for the field name plus “natural science” or “social science” using authoritative sources.