Scientists already are Natural Philosophers... (Score 3, Insightful)

"Scientist" is actually a relatively recent word. It's an awkward fusion of latin and greek (in true latin, it would be ScienTOR). So awkward in fact, that some protested its widespread adoption, preferring the then status quo - "natural philosopher".

A phiolospher is literally one who 'loves wisdom', a 'natural philosopher' is therefore one who craves an understanding of nature and all the stuff whats in it.

So, there's nothing new about calling scientists 'natural philosophers'. It's as much a step forward as calling a car a 'horseless carriage' - we're already there.