Single Idea 6795

[catalogued under 14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 6. Falsification]

Full Idea

It is a feature of Popper's philosophy that when the going gets tough, induction is quietly called upon to help out.

Gist of Idea

When Popper gets in difficulties, he quietly uses induction to help out

Source

comment on Karl Popper (The Logic of Scientific Discovery [1934]) by Alexander Bird - Philosophy of Science Ch.5

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.180


A Reaction

This appears to be the central reason for the decline in Popper's reputation as the saviour of science. It would certainly seem absurd to say that you know nothing when you have lots of verification but not a glimmer of falsification.