哈佛大学哲学教授论Karl Popper-波普尔.pdfVIP

Poppers Philosophy of Science: Looking Ahead Peter Godfrey-Smith Philosophy Department Harvard University 2007 Forthcoming in J. Shearmur and G. Stokes (eds.), The Cambridge Compani on to Popper. 1. Poppers Peculiar Standing 2. Eliminative Inference 3. Skeptical Realism 4. Tests, Risks, and Pseudo-Contact 5. The Diachronic Perspective on Evidence 6. Conclusion 1. Poppers Peculiar Standing Is Poppers philosophy alive or dead? If we make a judgment based on recent discussion in academic philosophy of science, he definitely seems to be fading. Popper is still seen as an important historical figure, a key part of the grand drama of 20th century thinking about science. He is associated with an outlook, a mindset, and a general picture of scientific work. His name has bequeathed us an adjective, Popperian, that is well established. But the adjective is used for very general ideas that, according to most current philosophers, Popper did not develop convincingly. His detailed account is often seen as attractive on first impression, but full of holes that become bigger rather than smaller as discussion continues. The picture and the name remain, which is more than 1 most philosophers can hope for. But the name attaches more and more to a set of instincts and intuitions, less and less to views that are seeing ongoing philosophical development. Inside science itself, Poppers standing is quite different. He continues to be just about the only philosopher who can seize the imagination and command the loyalty of successful professional scientists. And he is popular within science not only for purposes of general commentary and public relations. Poppers philosophy is a resource drawn on by