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Ep 91: David Deutsch‘s ”The Fabric of Reality” Chapter 3 “Problem Solving” Part 2

Oct 1, 2021
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INSIGHT

Science as Experimental Criticism

  • Scientific problem solving centers on rational criticism, mainly through experimental testing that differentiates rival theories.
  • This testing reveals which explanations produce false predictions and should be abandoned.
INSIGHT

Asymmetry of Refutation and Confirmation

  • A failed prediction invalidates the underlying explanation, but a correct prediction does not verify it.
  • Confirmation only shows consistency, not truth, emphasizing the asymmetry between refutation and confirmation.
ANECDOTE

UFO Beliefs and Confirmation Bias

  • UFO enthusiasts confirm their beliefs by seeking consistency with their theories instead of refutations.
  • This exemplifies the error of confirmation bias, mistaking consistency for proof.
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