Karl Popper's Philosophy of Social Science and the Problem of Tyranny

Dissertation, York University (Canada) (1999)
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Abstract

This dissertation is a discussion of Popper's attempt at solving the problem of tyranny, which is the problem that inspires Popper's writings on social science and institutional change. In his view, both political apathy and radical social change are a threat to freedom. A serious consideration of the questions he raises and the answers he advances would benefit the reader, regardless of his or her political persuasion. ;In applying 'situational analysis' or 'rational reconstruction', I followed Popper's methodological recommendations. This approach regards the theory under scrutiny as a rational attempt to solve a problem and it purports to explain why the proposed solution to the problem seems satisfactory to the theorist. It requires an endeavor to systematically reconstruct Popper's thought as a consistent edifice. The discussion encompasses methodological as well as substantive claims. ;After a detailed review of Popper's theories of scientific method, methodological individualism, situational logic and piecemeal social engineering, I conclude that Popper's focus on the demarcation between metaphysics and science is misplaced. That demarcation may be helpful if indeed social theories were falsifiable and piecemeal social reform had no insurmountable limits. However, I argue that this is not the case and that a faithful adherence to his recommendations would confine social change within the parameters of capitalist societies. ;My critique of Popper's thought does not omit to point out his many significant contributions to the defense of human freedom. For instance, his Socratic approach to knowledge, his emphasis on individual responsibility and the need for an institutional set up to curtail political and economic power, as well as his warning about the inevitable unintended repercussions of intentional actions. Popper's thought illustrates how fruitful his 'critical rationalism' can be. Indeed, I contend that critical rationalism and not methodological individualism is the procedure most apposite to social science, an approach which does not legislate on the pertinence of any particular method of study.

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