A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF KARL POPPER'S FALSIFICATION PRINCIPLE
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction / Background Of Study
Falsification as a principle or theory which holds that for any hypothesis to be cognitively significant, true or scientific it must be inherently disprovable by experience before it can be accepted as a scientific hypothesis or theory. This principle is associated with the twentieth century Austrian- British Philosopher of science known as Sir Karl, Raimund Popper. Science is a discipline that is interested in trying to uncover or discover truths about nature; our natural environment and the world at large, this is why Archibong (89) conceives science as the systematic enterprise of gathering knowledge about the universe by organizing and condensing that knowledge into testable laws and theories”. These laws and theories are used to give explanations to natural occurrences and make further predictions about the future.
Scientific method is procedural, that is, it adheres strictly to laid down principles through which an objective knowledge is obtained. It is widely accepted that empirical science is that discipline which employs inductive methodology in the formulation of hypotheses or theories by observing a limited number of instances. Induction therefore becomes accepted by some scientists (inductivists) as a valuable method and practice in the scientific enterprise.
It was based on this method of doing science which popper saw as problematic, that is, difficult to accept since it relied on an equally problematic principle of verifiability for the determination of its truth. The verifiability theory states that statements are cognitively significant or empirically tested if they can be conclusively verifiable by experience. Popper rejected this inductivists’ criterion of truth because it does not adequately provide a distinguishing feature between scientific and non-scientific statements and on the reason that “a theory can never be proven to be true by accumulating move and more positive observations (French 53).
Hence, his postulation of the falsification theory as a better alternative for the criterion of science. The falsification theory states that a statement is meaningful or scientific if it is falsifiable by experience or observation.
This work will therefore be concerned with the analysis and a critical examination of Karl Popper’s falsification theory.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
Popper summits that the more a theory is falsified, the more it becomes scientific. By this, every scientific theory must be such that it can be refuted. This position is founded upon Popper’s quest to demarcate science from pseudo-science. In as much as the position looks plausible, there are problems that are associated with it. These can be noted thus;
- What happens with theories that are falsified?
- If scientific hypothesis or theories are conjectures, why do they need refutation?
- Should scientists abandon a theory because facts contradict it?
- All these are problems that revolves around Popper’s theory of falsification.
1.3 Aim Of The Study
The study aims at re-examining the method of arriving at scientific truth, the problem that are inherent in it and why Popper debunked it and opted for a better method or theory. It further seeks to establish whether or not Popper’s falsification theory is a better alternative or substitute for testing the truth of scientific statements.
1.4 Significance Of The Study
The study is significant because the notion of truth in science is sometimes arrived at by hasty or faulty generalizations; thus, what is believed to be the truth in science, that is, scientific truth often turn out to be false or probable. Hence, to remove the obstacles that hinder or disrupt scientific truth, we must examine Popper’s falsification principle to see if it can aid scientists to know the truth.
1.5 Method Of The Study
This is a philosophical research work; since philosophy is always critical in its outlook, we shall therefore employ the methods of analysis, speculation and criticism to the study at hand in order to have a synoptic understanding.
1.6 Scope Of The Study
This research work does not incorporate the entire works of Karl Popper, it only deals with a section of his philosophy which is in the area of philosophy of science and it will also be limited to his falsification theory as an alternative theory of testing the truth of scientific statements.
1.7 Definition Of Terms
The Falsification Principle:
A theory is falsifiable if it is capable of conflicting with observable phenomena or events. Delanty and Strydom (44), opines that “falsifiability is a principle which states that “it must be possible for an empirical/scientific system to be refuted by experience”. Thus, a good scientific theory or statement must be capable of being falsified or refuted by conceivable events; if there are no means of refuting theory, it implies that it is not scientific and should be abandoned or rejected.
Induction:
Traditionally, induction is viewed as an argument which proceeds from particular instances to a general conclusion. “It is an argument in which a particular conclusion is derived from certain premises from the report of specific observation” Aigbodioh (142). It is further described as that which give the premise(s) give a supportive evidence for the truth of the conclusion to the accepted. Mautners (273) defined induction as “inference from a finite number of particular cases to a further case or to a general conclusion”.
Verisimilitude:
This term simply means truth content, approximation to truth or nearer to the truth. It was used by Karl Popper to explain that since cannot know or discover the truth but they can only be closer to the truth.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …
Procedure for Downloading the PDF (Docx) Material
A Critical Examination of Karl Popper’s Falsification Principle can be downloaded by requesting the full set of materials at the project or seminar cost. The document will be sent via Microsoft Word (MS-Word) format via WhatsApp (e-mail) following payment confirmation.
| Seminar Material Cost ₦3,000 | Project Material Cost ₦5,000 |
Request Complete Material
 | Click here to request the Complete Material via WhatsApp including;
|
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "A Critical Examination of Karl Popper's Falsification Principle" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the material for “Safety Management in Building Construction Site” be used as a guide for Building Technology Education Project?
Yes it can be used — The construction industry is considered as one of the most hazardous industrial sector wherein the construction workers are more prone to accidentals. In developed countries of the world such as United Kingdom and United states of America, there is strict legal enforcement of safety in the construction industry and also in the implementation of safety management systems which are design to minimize ordinate accidents at work places. However, occupational safety in countries. Such as Nigeria. --This study investigates the prevalent safety management practices and perceptions in the construction industry in Nigeria. The study was conducted among construction contractors, and government officials, through method of questionnaire survey, interview and discussion, to solicit and advocates or their opinion towards improving the quality …
Can this topic “Effective Inventory Control as a Means of Improving an Organization Is Performance” be used for Business Administration and Management (BAM) Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — This research project is on effective inventory control as a means of improving and organizations performance. A case study of NBC Plc. The research was prompted by the researchers believe of the indispensable role an inventory that is properly controlled can play in gearing up the profit of an organization in any given accounting period with the increasing highcost of production attributable to scarcity of raw-material. It has therefore become necessary that an examination be made on the classification of inventory and the proper way to control and stock raw-materials. A detailed analysis of how inventories are classified, controlled and the cost of keeping inventory were studies by the researcher. …
Can the material for “Effect of Multiple Taxation on the Survival of Small Scale Enterprises” be used as a guide for Economics Project?
Yes it can be used — This study was undertaken to investigate the implication of multiple taxation on the performance of small scale enterprises in Asaba, Delta State. The objective of the study was to determine the extent to which multiple taxation affect the profitability and reinvestment rate of small scale enterprises. Data were collected from primary source using questionnaires. Survey research design was adopted. The hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistic. Result obtained show that most small scale enterprises surveyed were faced with the problem of high tax rates, complex tax regulations and lack of proper enlightenment or education about tax related issues. Although, there is a general perception that tax is an important source of fund for development of the economy and provision of social …
Can the material for “The Effectiveness of Taxation on Government Provision for Infrastructure” be used as a guide for Economics Project?
Yes it can be used — Revenue generation through taxation is the nucleus and the path to modern development. Thus, this study assessed the effect of internal revenue generation on infrastructural development through provision from the government. The research methodology entailed the use of survey research design and purposive sampling method to select respondents from Benue State Inland Revenue Office.. Questionnaires and statistical data were instruments used for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were the statistical tool used for the analysis. The descriptive statistics involves the use of simple percentages while the inferential statistics involved the use of Spearman’s Rank, which is to show the direction of relationship between variables in the study and to show the scale for the data that is interval. Two hypotheses …
Can the material for “An Appraisal of the Internal Control System in Commercial Bank” be used as a guide for Banking and Finance (BF) Project?
Yes it can be used — An appraisal of the internal control system in commercial banks in Nigeria have attracted the researcher to investigate those strengths and weakness, of these study. After everything the researcher concluded that the internal control system in commercial bank is sound in principle and effective in operation. …
Can the material for “Evaluating Secondary School Chemistry Teachers Perception on the Development of Higher Other Thinking Skills (HOTS) through Blended Learning” be used as a guide for Education Project?
Yes it can be used — Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) as the extended use of mind to face new challenges through critical thinking and creative thinking, both critical thinking and creative thinking are teachable and learnable components of HOTS. The aim of the study is to evaluate the Secondary School Chemistry Teachers Perception on the Development of Higher Other Thinking Skills (HOTS) through Blended Learning. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to examine the performance of secondary school students in chemistry during Blended Learning, determine the Secondary School Chemistry Teachers Perception on the Development of Higher Other Thinking Skills (HOTS) through Blended Learning, determine the relationship between Development of Higher Other Thinking Skills (HOTS) through Blended Learning and their chemistry …
Can the material for “Web Based Student Attendance Monitoring System” be used as a guide for Computer Science (CS) Project?
Yes it can be used — Web Based Student Attendance Monitoring System is a software developed for daily student attendance in schools and institutions. The ability to compute the attendance percentage becomes a major task as manual computation produces errors, and also wastes a lot of time. The aim of the study is to design and implement a Web Based Student Attendance Monitoring System. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to develop a fingerprint students’ attendance capturing system and compare it with manual system and carry out the analysis of manual processes involved in class attendance and examination attendance. The motivation that led to the implementation of the proposed system is that the traditional system is still mostly used in lecture room …
Can this topic “A Survey of Instructional Materials Used for Effective Teaching and Learning of Economics in Senior Secondary Schools” be used for Education Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — This research work aimed at examining instructional materials used for effective teaching and learning of Economics in Senior Secondary Schools. The problem observed in the research work was that, there should be provision for the maintenance of the instructional materials and there should be adequate information to teachers on the availability of ready made Instructional materials. For the purpose of providing theoretical framework and background for the study, the researcher reviewed various literature such as books, magazines, journals and unpublished past projects which directly relate to the research work. Furthermore, a structured questionnaire was deigned to collect data based on the review. The questionnaire was divided into two sections (Aand B) section A dealt with biographical data of the respondents while section B …
Can the material for “Bank Recapitalization and Banks Development in Nigeria Income as a Measure of Development” be used as a guide for Banking and Finance (BF) Project?
Yes it can be used — The resultant effect of financial liberalization opened up the Nigerian economy to global financial markets, which has generated increasing apprehension in the economy and has exposed the fragility and vulnerability of her financial system. It is therefore imperative for the Central Bank of Nigeria to introduce measures that will reduce the exposure and enhance the stability of the Nation’s financial system. A defensive measure that will strengthen the existing banks and put the new ones on a good start is needed, hence the introduction of new capital base of N25billion. This study investigated the impact of recapitalization in the banking system on the performance of the banks in the Country with the aim of finding out if the recapitalization is …
Can this topic “Awareness and Reading of Medical Information on Drug and Users Buying Decision in Imo State” be used for Mass Communication (MC) Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — The study was carried out to examine the Awareness and Reading of Medical Information on Drug and Users Buying Decision. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to investigate the factors influence users buying decision during reading of drug medical information and measure the level of exposure to medical information on drug and users buying decision in the area under study. Investigation revealed that a lot of people indulge in self medication without knowing the side effects of the drugs and degeneration of health has been traced to administration of drugs. People use medicines as per their knowledge, perceptions, and habits. The research design used in this report is descriptive design, utilizing questionnaire method to obtain …