“The contention that science is circular cannot be upheld. But one element of this contention remains true; namely, that all scientific descriptions of facts are highly selective, that they always depend upon theories. The situation can be best described by comparison with a searchlight (the searchlight theory of science, as I usually call it in contradistinction to the bucket theory of the mind). What the searchlight makes visible will depend upon its position, upon our way of directing it, and upon its intensity, colour, etc.; although it will, of course, also depend very largely upon the things illuminated by it. Similarly, a scientific description will depend, largely, upon our point of view, our interests, which are as a rule connected with the theory or hypothesis we wish to test; although it will also depend upon the facts described. Indeed, the theory or hypothesis could be described as the crystallization of a point of view.” Karl Popper, The Open Society and Its Enemies.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 08:14:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015