Joanna Swann (Letters, THES , August 1) implies that Karl Popper originated the theory that science is, or should be, distinguished from non-science by the criterion of falsification.
Popper claimed that his views on falsification were first published in a letter to the editor of Erkenntnis in 1933 and then in Logic der Forschung in 1935. But in 19, sociologists William Thomas and Florian Znaniecki advocated that scientists should make a "systematic search for such experiences as may contradict their theories" in The Polish Peasant .
Popper and his supporters have overstated his importance as a philosopher of science.
Hugh McLachlan
School of Law and Social Science
Glasgow Caledonian University
Register to continue
Why register?
- Registration is free and only takes a moment
- Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
- Sign up for our newsletter
Subscribe
Or subscribe for unlimited access to:
- Unlimited access to news, views, insights & reviews
- Digital editions
- Digital access to 罢贬贰’蝉 university and college rankings analysis
Already registered or a current subscriber? Login