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Epistemological Anarchism
This is a theory proposed, pursued and defended by Feyerabend, that states science can not, and does not, advance through the adherence of one method. In particular he was referring to the scientific method that is the means by which scientists approve or disprove of theories. Feyerabend defends this theory by offering historical scientific examples where a shift in paradigms occurred, and not as a result of following one method. -
Anarchist View on Science
Feyerabend argues, in his book "Against Method", against the current system employed by science as a whole--that being methodological monism; he states that being forced to follow and adhere to one system only inhibits true knowledge. This leads to his infamous view: an "anarchy theory of knowledge", which is the premise of the entire book. -
"Against Method: Outline of an Anarchist Theory of Knowledge"
Feyerabend supports his theory through historical examples of paradigm shifts, in which the new theories didn't adhere to the current, methodological monism, and as a result, allowed progress and advancement in science. For example, Feyerabend offers the paradigm shift from the geocentric model of the Universe to the Helocentric (Copernicus) model, in which the theory completed went against the currently accepted theory of the Universe. And without these contradictions, advancement is impossible -
Summary of Feyerabend's ideas
Feyerabend believed that science should be run like a free enterprise, in which ideas and theories are not based off of currently believed facts and theories, because, ultimately, it limits the advancement of knowledge (progress). And science should and is about progress. He is highly critical of any ideas or theories that impose strict rules on scientists, because the end result is the inhibition of progress. And this, Feyerabend argues, is evident in every paradigm shift throughout history. -
Anything Goes
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Works Cited
Feyerabend, Paul. "Paul Feyerabend's Against Method". Marxists.Org, 1975, https://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/feyerabe.htm.