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The theory of falsification and the criterion of demarcation
In 1935, Karl Popper published his first major work in the philosophy of science, “Logik der Forschung”, where he introduced the importance of falsification as a criterion of demarcation to distinguishes scientific theories from mythological claims. Its contribution to the philosophy of science was to reinforce the authenticity of empirical science that differs from pseudoscience. This theory transformed the scientific method and hypothesis testing. video: https://youtu.be/wf-sGqBsWv4 -
Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
In 1946, Karl Popper founded the “Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method” at the London School of Economics with the purpose to establish the philosophy of science as an independent discipline within philosophy studies. Popper made several significant contributions to the philosophy of science such as: theory selection, demarcation of science from pseudoscience, and nature of probability and quantum mechanics. His work promoted the development of empirical science. -
Auxiliary vs. Ad Hoc Hypotheses
Karl Popper’s auxiliary vs. ad hoc hypotheses is another significant contribution to the philosophy of science. Popper believes that a scientific theory can be protected from falsification by the implementation of an “auxiliary hypothesis” or “background knowledge” (that assists in the production of a new and falsifiable prediction) and “ad hoc hypotheses” (don’t produce new and falsifiable predictions). This method was explained in his book “The Logic of Scientific Discovery” (1959). -
The induction problem and verification
In his book “Conjectures and Refutations” (1963), Karl Popper proposed a new solution to the David Hume’s problem of induction. His solution establishes that induction has no logical position in science rather science is a deductive process in which scientists establish hypotheses that they can verify by the observational consequences. He states theories can’t be proven true, but they can be falsified. His ideas transformed the role of observations and experiments in science.
