The Theory of Anything Episode 64: What is a "Refutation"?
Sep 4, 2023
Exploring Karl Popper's concept of 'refutation' in scientific theories and its implications. Critiquing the theory that animals don't have feelings. Examining the interchangeability of explanation and theory. Discussing the problem with communism and the importance of empirical content in theories.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Introduction
00:00 • 2min
The Concept of Refutation in Scientific Theories
01:44 • 18min
The Theory of Refutation and Its Implications
19:54 • 24min
Refutation, Animals, and Automatic Movements
44:15 • 7min
Refutation and the Importance of Testable Theories
51:23 • 18min
Interchangeability of Explanation and Theory
01:09:01 • 8min
The Problem with Communism and Maximizing Explanatory Power
01:16:33 • 2min
The relationship between explanation and empirical content in Popper's epistemology
01:18:12 • 4min