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Before "Against Method"
Before Feyerabend's major book was released, he came up with his own belief of how the knowledge of science should be conducted. Contrary to popular belief, he was not anti-science. He grew up in a place in Austria where science and the arts were the center of their culture. He aspired to be an opera singer and astronomer, but later went down the path to become a philosopher. -
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The Core Beliefs
Feyerabend questioned the field of science in a way that no one else previously had. He looked at intellectuals in a negative light; that they only gained knowledge to outsmart the next person. He stated the local villagers would know more about their environment than an outside “intellectual expert” would. He did not believe that many scientists have used their power of knowledge for the good of the people, but rather for selfish gain. -
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Anarchy!
He believed there should be a separation of state and science. He thought the state was too involved in the progression of science. People are paying their taxes towards experiments they may not personally agree with, and therefore should have the right to choose where their taxes go. He argued the “unscientific” cultures, cultures that focused more on spiritual healing practices, are living a meaningful life despite having the Western science. -
Published "Against Methods"
His most well-known book is "Against Methods", which caused a controversial uproar among the science community -
Epistemological Anarchism
This epistemological theory was introduce to the public by his publication of the book “Against Methods”
Defined as “there are no useful and exception-free methodological rules governing the progress of science or the growth of knowledge”. There can be no rule that limits the expansion of knowledge in science. -
"Against Methods"
Feyerabend, Paul. Against Methods::outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge. Norfolk: Lowe and Brydone, 1975. Print. -
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References
Gomes, Andréia Patrícia, Siqueira-Batista, Rodrigo, & Rego, Sergio. (2013). Epistemological anarchism of Paul Karl Feyerabend and medical education. Revista Brasileira de Educação Médica, 37(1), 39-45. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-55022013000100006 Preston, John. “Paul Feyerabend,” August 24, 2020. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feyerabend/. -
"Problems of Empiricism"
Feyerabend, Paul K. Problems of Empiricism: Philosophical Papers. Cambridge: Cambridge U, 1981. Print. -
"Science in a Free Society"
Feyerabend, Paul K. Science in a Free Society. London: Verso, 1987. Print. -
"Realism, Rationalism, and Scientific Method"
Feyerabend, Paul Karl. Realism, Rationalism and Scientific Method. Cambridge: Cambridge U, 1999. Print.
