The Logic of Scientific Discovery
by Karl Popper
In "The Logic of Scientific Discovery," Karl Popper argues that scientific theories must be falsifiable to be considered scientific, emphasizing that the hallmark of empirical science is the ability to make predictions that can be tested and potentially disproven. He critiques the traditional verificationist view of science and introduces the concept of conjectures and refutations, highlighting the iterative nature of scientific progress. Through this framework, Popper lays the groundwork for a philosophy of science that prioritizes critical testing and rigorous skepticism.
21 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Logic of Scientific Discovery, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
Science must begin with myths, and with the criticism of myths.
A theory that is not refutable by any conceivable event is non-scientific.
Our knowledge can only be finite, while our ignorance must necessarily be infinite.
It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood.
Every genuine test of a theory is an attempt to falsify it, or to refute it.
The growth of knowledge depends entirely upon disagreement.
In science, there are no shortcuts to truth.
Theories are nets cast to catch what we call 'the world'.
All life is problem solving.
Knowledge advances by the follies of mankind.
Every empirical scientific statement must be capable of empirical testing.
The growth of scientific knowledge is based on the critical discussion of existing theories.
The principle of falsifiability is the demarcation criterion of science.
All human knowledge is based on the ideas of conjecture and refutation.
The scientific method is based on the systematic observation and experimentation.
We cannot make our observations free from theory.
Deductive logic is not sufficient for scientific reasoning.
Theories are nets cast to catch what we call 'the world': to rationalize, to explain, and to master it.
Knowledge is not a final product; it is a process.
The growth of knowledge depends entirely on the trial and error method.
We cannot expect the world to fit our theories.