How Do You Know You Know Something?

In this video, I explore the contrasting ideologies of two influential thinkers: Karl Popper and William Whewell.

Karl Popper, renowned for his philosophy of science, emphasised the importance of falsifiability in scientific theories. His groundbreaking concept of "falsification" challenged the prevalent notion that scientific ideas could be proven true, advocating instead for a critical approach that seeks to disprove hypotheses. Discover how Popper's philosophy transformed the scientific landscape, promoting an open-ended, self-correcting system that continually challenges established theories.

On the other side of the spectrum, we encounter William Whewell, an eminent philosopher and scientist of the 19th century. Whewell's philosophy embraced a more holistic and comprehensive view of science, emphasising the interconnectedness of theories, observations, and reasoning. Uncover how Whewell's concept of "consilience" aimed to bridge the gaps between various scientific disciplines and establish a unified understanding of the natural world.

Is there a resolution to these different world views?