Who is Karl Popper? (1902-1994)
Karl Popper (1902-1994) introduced falsificationism as an alternative to induction.
Popper argued that while we cannot derive general scientific laws from a finite set of observable facts, we can prove something is wrong: “The falsity of a law can be logically deduced from a single observable fact with which it clashes.”[1]
Any theory that is not able to be falsified is not meaningful. Theories that are more falsifiable than others are to be preferred over less falsifiable ones.[2] A strong theory is one that is highly falsifiable, yet is not falsified.[3]
Thus, Popper found a clever way for science to progress, despite the real limitations of induction.
Why is Karl Popper Important?
Popper’s work, along with that of Thomas Kuhn and Imre Lakatos, illustrate there are serious limitations with science. It is important to discuss these limitations when exploring the creation debate.
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