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Life and Death
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Consolations for the Specialist
In his paper, ‘Consolations for the Specialist’, Feyerabend shows he is one of the most perceptive to Kuhn’s philosophies. However, he saw him as the opposite from most, claiming him to be too organized and preaching the worst trends in science at the time “toward professionalization, narrow-mindedness, and exclusion of unorthodox ideas.” He essentially claimed that Kuhn’s projection of ‘normal science’ was stifling progression from creatively minded individuals. -
Against Method
In Feyerabend’s most famous piece of work, ‘Against Method’, he argues for “Epistemological Anarchism”, meaning that science should not follow any sort of rules or restraints. He claims that great scientists are “opportunistic and creative” and are willing to use any methods presented, but also trying to establish rules and methods will halt progress. “The only rule that we can be sure will not impede imagination and progress is this: anything goes.” -
Conversations with Illiterates
From the political and professional backlash of ‘Against Method’, Feyerabend published a section in his new book ‘Science in a free society’, called ‘Conversations with Illiterates’, in response. In this section he berated critics for not being able to understand or misreading his words, and not being able to distinguish what he said properly. The following fallout resulted in Feyerabend slipping into depression, beginning to feel ‘alone’ in his views of the scientific world. -
Educational Video
Paul Feyerabend speaking on Enlightenment. It is truly interesting to listen to his views on the topic. Second is a general explanation of what Feyerabend stood for in his book "Against Method." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsObUEBfNYw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85pzjUvBZSI EDIT: I am sad to say that I can no longer find the first video for whatever reason, however if the link works again for you, I highly suggest it! -
Attention Prior to and Post Death
It was the years leading up to, and following Feyerabend's death, that his influence on basically 'critical thinking' was noticeably gaining traction. In a general sense, it seemed his views of science, among many other fields, of it being messy and unorganized and should stay this way to breed creativity and progress, had been resonating. He has been seen as both a genius and a villain, but regardless, had a major impact on all fields, pushing scientists to break the mold and all the rules.