Falsification- Popper
Instead of verification, the idea that statements can in principle be falsified by evidence is what makes a science.
A good theory is one that stands up to any attempts to disprove it.
E.g Marxism states that there will be a revolution to overthrow capitalism but this revolution has not yet occurred due to false class consciousness. This theory cannot be falsified as if there is one, Marxism is correct, and if there is not, Marxism is correct. But the capability of producing testable hypotheses, Popper says, means it could be a science.
Example of swans
Scientists should look for black swans to disprove all swans are white, even if they collect lots of evidence of white swans
Particularly criticised Marxism (a ‘faux science’) as you cannot disprove false class consciousness
- Someone would suggest false class consciousness