Part I: Chapter 2, On the Problem of a Theory of Scientific Method Summary and Analysis

Epistemology should guide the choice of methods through rules that adhere to demarcation and ensure the testability of statements. Therefore, a theory of scientific method must be more than a formal logical structure of statements. Otherwise, metaphysics would emerge from elevating obsolete scientific theories to the status of truth. To emphasize this point, Popper says that dogmatically defending theories that are not conclusively disproved is an example of the degradation of the process of logically pursuing knowledge. In fact, according to Popper dogmatic defense is diametrically opposed to the critical attitude required of a scientist. Popper states that theories can never be conclusively disproved. Claims can be made that the experiments were unreliable or that the apparent differences in...