The Two Fundamental Problems of the Theory of Knowledge

Sir Karl Popper

ISBN 10: 0415394317 / ISBN 13: 9780415394314

Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2008

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Two Fundamental Problems of the Theory of Knowledge
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415394317
• ISBN 13: 9780415394314
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

In a letter of 1932, Karl Popper described Die beiden Grundprobleme der Erkenntnistheorie – The Two Fundamental Problems of the Theory of Knowledge – as ‘…a child of crises, above all of …the crisis of physics.’

Finally available in English, it is a major contribution to the philosophy of science, epistemology and twentieth century philosophy generally.

The two fundamental problems of knowledge that lie at the centre of the book are the problem of induction, that although we are able to observe only a limited number of particular events, science nevertheless advances unrestricted universal statements; and the problem of demarcation, which asks for a separating line between empirical science and non-science.

Popper seeks to solve these two basic problems with his celebrated theory of falsifiability, arguing that the inferences made in science are not inductive but deductive; science does not start with observations and proceed to generalise them but with problems, which it attacks with bold conjectures.

The Two Fundamental Problems of the Theory of Knowledge is essential reading for anyone interested in Karl Popper, in the history and philosophy of science, and in the methods and theories of science itself.

About the Author

Karl Popper (1902–94). Philosopher, born in Vienna. One of the most influential and controversial thinkers of the twentieth century.