Exploring the relationship between philosophy and science

What is the relationship of philosophy to science? Which comes first, and how does one evaluate the claims of either?
POINTS OF DISCUSSION

• What are the essential similarities and differences between philosophy and the specialized sciences.
• Should philosophy be considered a form of science?
• Do the specialized sciences rest on a foundation of philosophic principles or does the truth of philosophic principles rest on the discoveries made within the specialized sciences?
• On what basis can one judge philosophic and scientific claims?
• How can one evaluate the conflicting scientific claims made by government organizations vs. individual scientists?

After the event, any interested guests will be invited to continue the conversation at a nearby restaurant.

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Our Meetup location, Le Pain Quotidien, is a private business; so that our group remains welcome, please don't arrive with beverages purchased from outside, and please be willing to purchase at least one beverage or menu item during the event.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING NO-SHOWS
Unfortunately, there is a longstanding problem in our group with large numbers of people who sign up frivolously and neither cancel nor show up, leading to large waiting lists of others who lose their opportunity to attend. Please note that going forward, those who sign up and neither cancel nor show up will be permanently removed from the group. Also, if you need to cancel, please have the courtesy to give at least 24 hours' advance notice rather than canceling immediately before the event, so those on the waiting list have an opportunity to attend.