Popper

Question 1

What are the two questions of Popper?

Answer 1

1. Can we save science from the irrationality of induction?

2. Can we come up with a better demarcation criteria (cf. Logical Positivism).

Question 2

Name the elements of Poppers demarcation criteria.

Answer 2

The elements of Popper’s demarcation criteria, falsificationism, are:

1. Human fallibility.
2. Falsificationism is the demarcation criteria.
3. Only falsifiable theories are informative.
4. Growth of knowledge is only possible through refutation.

Question 3

Explain Popper’s view on innate ideas.

Answer 3

Popper believed the idea of inborn/innate ideas was absurd. We only have an inborn instinct to seek regularity.

Question 4

Explain Popper’s critical rationalism.

Answer 4

The instinct to seek regularity leads to dogmatism. Dogmatism is a form of induction. In order to avoid making mistakes, we need to critically reflect on the statements following from dogmatic thinking.
Science uses the deductive form of reasoning; this is a valid way of reasoning.

Question 5

Explain the problems with Popper’s view.

Answer 5

1. Pseudo-sciences can also make falsifiable claims.

2. Determining that general statements are false, is based on induction.