The book explores the growth of knowledge and the progress of science and how people can learn from their mistakes. Karl Popper, the author, examines various theories by renowned scientists and uses them to determine the difference between science and pseudo-science. From his observation, Popper argued that empiricism has been the most widely accepted philosophical theory, though it is still mistaken. Indeed, he considers himself as an empiricist but holds some reservations. The greatest problem of humans lies in the theory of knowledge. Humans have not been able to differentiate between science and metaphysics.
Popper claims that a scientific theory is the one that can be tested and verified. However, a scientific theory based on inferences is mistaken. A theory that cannot be tested and verified is not scientific. For a long, people have inferred an observation from a statement and compared it with actual observation to determine whether the statement is true or false. However, Popper argues that all the observations based on inferences are conjectural. From that point, popper takes issue with past scientists like David Hume, who opined that all concepts are ultimately derivative of impressions. Hume argued that repetitive reinforcements end up being beliefs.
The author concludes his arguments by claiming that people never do their best to validate theories. Therefore, knowledge grows through learning from past mistakes. Confirming evidence about a certain theory is not true unless tested and verified. Science is all about proposing a theory and testing it. However, the tested and verified hypothesis can be refuted in the future. Thus, they are conjectural.
