Episode Details

This biography covers the life and intellectual contributions of Sir Karl Popper, a prominent 20th-century philosopher of science and political commentator. He is most famous for introducing falsifiability as the standard for distinguishing scientific theories from non-science, arguing that knowledge grows through a process of conjectures and refutations. Beyond science, the text highlights his vigorous defense of liberal democracy and his critique of totalitarianism in works like The Open Society and Its Enemies. The entry also details his personal history, including his escape from Nazism, his academic career in New Zealand and London, and his influence on figures like George Soros. Additionally, it explores his complex views on metaphysics, evolution, and religion, noting his rejection of certainty in favor of critical reason. Finally, the source acknowledges significant criticisms of his work from other influential thinkers, demonstrating his lasting impact on modern analytical philosophy.