Karl Popper
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Karl Popper | |
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| Born | 28 July 1902 |
| Died | 17 September 1994 |
| Nationality | Austrian-born; later British |
| Occupation | Philosopher |
| Known for | Philosophy of science; falsificationism; critical rationalism |
| Notable work | The Logic of Scientific Discovery; The Open Society and Its Enemies |
Karl Popper (28 July 1902 – 17 September 1994) was a philosopher whose work addressed scientific method, rational criticism, and the structure of open societies. He examined how knowledge claims can be evaluated without appeal to verification or historical inevitability.
His work emphasized critical testing and the provisional status of theories rather than accumulation of confirmed truths.
Early life and education
Popper was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary. He studied mathematics, physics, and philosophy at the University of Vienna and was influenced by debates surrounding psychoanalysis, Marxism, and the philosophy of science.
His early experiences shaped his opposition to historicism and deterministic accounts of knowledge.
Philosophy of science
Popper argued that scientific theories cannot be conclusively verified but can be falsified by empirical testing. He proposed falsifiability as a criterion distinguishing scientific theories from non-scientific ones.
These views were developed in The Logic of Scientific Discovery (1934).
Falsificationism
Popper maintained that rational inquiry progresses through conjectures and refutations rather than confirmation. Scientific theories, on this view, remain tentative and open to revision.
This approach rejected inductivist accounts of scientific reasoning.
Critique of historicism
Popper criticized theories that claim to discover laws governing the course of history. He argued that such approaches rely on unfalsifiable predictions and misunderstand the growth of knowledge.
These arguments were presented in works such as The Poverty of Historicism.
Political philosophy
In The Open Society and Its Enemies, Popper examined political doctrines he regarded as authoritarian or totalizing. He defended institutional arrangements that allow for criticism, reform, and limitation of power.
His political work emphasized fallibilism rather than utopian design.
Relationship to institutions
Popper held academic positions in New Zealand and later in the United Kingdom, including at the London School of Economics. He participated in debates across philosophy, science, and political theory.
He did not form a unified school but influenced discussion through criticism and argument.
Limits and uncertainty
Popper’s falsification criterion has been criticized for oversimplifying scientific practice. Critics argue that scientific theories are not abandoned solely on the basis of single counterexamples.
Debate continues regarding the scope and applicability of his methodology.
Status
Karl Popper is regarded as a central figure in twentieth-century philosophy of science. His work continues to be discussed in debates on scientific method, rationality, and political theory.