ABSTRACT
The great philosopher of science Karl Popper proposed that induction is not a valid method for discovering knowledge and that hypothesis-deduction is the correct method. Popper wrestled with the problem of demarcation, the criterion that distinguishes science from pseudoscience. Based on theories in the early twentieth century, including Einstein’s relativity theory, he concluded that refutability is the criterion. Popper suggested that it is easy to find confirmations of a theory if one looks for them. The only acceptable tests of a theory are ones that are designed to refute it. A good scientific theory has a low probability and a high content. An important requirement for science is that it should grow. Three requirements were proposed for a theory to qualify. First, it should proceed from a simple and powerful idea to explain previously unconnected observations. Second, it should be independently testable and that it should predict phenomena previously not observed. Third, it should be successful in passing new and severe tests. Popper suggested three dangers that confront the progress of science. These are a lack of imagination and real interest, a misplaced faith in formalization, and precision and authoritarianism.
