Susan, mastery of a field of knowledge is philosophy--that includes physics, chemistry, biology, and other areas of science--but it doesn't have to be science. Those who master a field of knowledge possess the Ph. D: doctor of philosophy.

Practitioners within a field are considered to be tradesmen (plumbers, electricians, or computer programmers) or performers (speakers, instrumentalists, dancers, or singers).

A Ph. D. in physics explores and refines knowledge in science. A Ph. D. in Theology explores and refines knowledge in Religion. A Ph. D. in Musicology explores and refines knowledge in music.

In my early years, I was a practitioner in science and a performer of music. My scientific practice centered around photography through the microscope, which led me toward experimentation. My singing and instrumental performance grew into musical arrangement and composing. I explored alternative musical traditions in folk music to inspire my composing and arranging, I began to imagine an academic career as a musicologist.

My thought processes in music and science were very similar, but I chose mastery in science.

What scholarly masters do in the various fields of knowledge is not so different. That's why it's all called "philosophy."

Ray