Maxwell, Nicholas (2001) POPPER, KUHN, LAKATOS AND AIM-ORIENTED EMPIRICISM. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper I argue that aim-oriented empiricism (AOE), a conception of natural science that I have defended at some length elsewhere, is a kind of synthesis of the views of Popper, Kuhn and Lakatos, but is also an improvement over the views of all three. Whereas Popper's falsificationism protects metaphysical assumptions implicitly made by science from criticism, AOE exposes all such assumptions to sustained criticism, and furthermore focuses criticism on those assumptions most likely to need revision if science is to make progress. Even though AOE is, in this way, more Popperian than Popper, it is also, in some respects, more like the views of Kuhn and Lakatos than falsificationism is. AOE is able, however, to solve problems which Kuhn's and Lakatos's views cannot solve.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Maxwell, Nicholas
Keywords:	Popper Kuhn Lakatos scientific method scientific rationality falsificationism paradigm revolution progress metaphysics research programme knowledge
Subjects:	General Issues > Confirmation/Induction General Issues > Philosophers of Science Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Structure of Theories General Issues > Theory Change
Depositing User:	Nicholas Maxwell
Date Deposited:	29 Apr 2001
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:10
Item ID:	251
Subjects:	General Issues > Confirmation/Induction General Issues > Philosophers of Science Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Structure of Theories General Issues > Theory Change
Date:	2001
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/251

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• POPPER, KUHN, LAKATOS AND AIM-ORIENTED EMPIRICISM. (deposited 29 Apr 2001) [Currently Displayed]
  • Popper, Kuhn, Lakatos, and Aim-Oriented Empiricism. (deposited 06 Jan 2006)

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