Paul Feyerabend (January 13, 1924 - February 11, 1994)

Theory of Basic Statements Dissertation

1951

Paul Feyerabend's dissertation on "basic statements" earns him his doctoral degree. This also marks the beginning of his relationship with Karl Popper, his supervisor at the University of Cambridge. He chose Popper after his original supervisor, Ludwig Wittgenstein, passed away. Popper and Feyerabend's relationship would be long and tumultuous.

Endorsing Scientific Realism

1958

Feyerabend published two papers early on in his work, "An Attempt at a Realistic Interpretation of Experience" and "Complementarity." Both of which endorsed scientific realism while also paying homage to Feyerabend's old supervisor, Karl Popper. Supported his realist ideals by way of something like Popper's falsification.

Empiricist No More

1970

At this point in time Feyerabend had given up trying to support an empirical viewpoint. While in the past he had supported the works of his mentor, Feyerabend began publishing material that openly challenged Karl Popper. The first such paper was "Consolations for the specialist."

Against Method

1975

Feyerabend published his book, "Against Method." This text introduced his theory of "epistemological anarchism." The idea behind the theory is that the scientific method does not exist, and scientists should just play with whatever cards they are dealt. Went to revise and republish this book twice, the first in 1989 and a second in 1993.