The irony of making mistakes
Mistakes are often viewed in a negative way and dwelled upon as failures. However, Popper argues that ironically mistakes are one of the best ways a person can progress. This is because we learn from mistakes, and quickly move on to doing things better.
Looking at science the wrong way
In this text, Popper argues that, ironically, previous approaches to science were not effective. Instead, a theory of falsification is better than trying to prove theories correct.
The irony of criticising our own conjectures
Ironically, Popper advocates the criticism of our own ideas and theories. This might be an ironic thing to suggest, as people are not often encouraged to criticize their own ideas, or trying to prove them false.
The theory of falsification
The theory of falsification is somewhat ironic, as it suggests that we cannot know anything for certain, apart from certain a priori principles. One famous example is that we cannot know for certain that all swans are white. Although we know this fact to be true on the level of common sense, Popper is talking about complete certainty and truth, which cannot be easily attained.
