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About this quote

What does it mean?
Darwinism is framed as a metaphysical research program rather than a directly testable scientific theory.
In plain terms
Darwinism guides research but cannot be easily tested like standard scientific theories.
What can you take from it?
Distinguish between testable theories and research programs.

Where it applies

  • scientific debate
  • education
  • research

Putting it to work

  • classify theories
  • check testability
  • evaluate methods

Questions to consider

  • What makes a theory scientific?
  • How is evolution tested?

Another view

Many scientists regard it as falsifiable science.

More from Karl Popper

  1. Always remember that it is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood: there will always be some who misunderstand you.

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  2. I have changed my mind about the testability and logical status of the theory of natural selection; and I am glad to have an opportunity to make a recantation.

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  3. There are all kinds of sources of our knowledge; but none has authority ... The fundamental mistake made by the philosophical theory of the ultimate sources of…

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