KARL POPPER ON MYTHS AND TRADITIONS

📄 Project Abstract

The predominant opinion that science has the explanation and solution to natural and social problems can be summed in the words of Mel Thompson that 'science is a massive problem-solving and information gathering enterprise'. Thoughts such as this relegate other forms of knowledge and the benefits therein to the background or sometimes dismissing them as primitive myths or traditional gibberish. However, Karl Popper believes that myths and traditions are essential component of modern science and that without tradition knowledge is impossible. Myths survive via tradition. Popper argues for a critical examination of myths and tradition before rejecting or accepting them. Along this line, the study analyzed and evaluated Popper's thoughts on myths and traditions. Specifically, the study, using Popper's theory of critical rationalism as a framework, tried to situate the appropriateness or otherwise of myths and traditions for the enhancement of scientific and social knowledge; discover the...