'The Logic of Scientific Discovery' is a 1934 work by philosopher Karl Popper. The text demonstrates Popper's commitment to combining...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
'The Logic of Scientific Discovery' is a 1934 work by philosopher Karl Popper. The text demonstrates Popper's commitment to combining theoretical rigor with empirical testing in scientific methodology: _____
Which quotation from the work most effectively illustrates the claim?
Bold ideas, unjustified anticipations, and speculative thought are our only means for interpreting nature, but they must be subjected to the severest tests of empirical criticism if they are to contribute to genuine scientific knowledge.
The empirical method is the only reliable approach to understanding natural phenomena, regardless of how elegant or appealing our theoretical constructions may appear.
Scientific theories should be constructed with mathematical precision and logical consistency, for these qualities alone distinguish genuine science from mere speculation.
Experience teaches us that the most sophisticated theories often fail when confronted with experimental evidence, which is why we must remain humble before the complexity of nature.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The Logic of Scientific Discovery' is a 1934 work by philosopher Karl Popper. |
|
| The text demonstrates Popper's commitment to combining theoretical rigor with empirical testing in scientific methodology: |
|
| _____ |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[BACKGROUND INFO] Popper's 1934 work → [MAIN CLAIM] Shows commitment to combining theoretical rigor + empirical testing → [MISSING EVIDENCE] Quotation that illustrates this claim
Main Point: Popper's work demonstrates his belief in combining theoretical rigor with empirical testing in scientific methodology.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces Popper's work, makes a claim about what it demonstrates (combining theory and empirical testing), and then requires evidence in the form of a quotation to support this claim.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should tell us what we need to find
- It must mention both theoretical elements (theories, ideas, speculation) AND empirical testing (experiments, evidence, criticism)
- It should show these two working together, not just existing separately
- It should demonstrate Popper's commitment to this combination, meaning both are essential
- The right answer should show that while Popper values theoretical thinking, he insists it must be tested empirically
Bold ideas, unjustified anticipations, and speculative thought are our only means for interpreting nature, but they must be subjected to the severest tests of empirical criticism if they are to contribute to genuine scientific knowledge.
✓ Correct
- Mentions theoretical elements ('bold ideas, unjustified anticipations, and speculative thought')
- Mentions empirical testing ('severest tests of empirical criticism')
- Shows the combination with 'but they must be subjected to' - theory is valuable BUT needs empirical testing
- Perfectly matches our prethinking about combining both elements
The empirical method is the only reliable approach to understanding natural phenomena, regardless of how elegant or appealing our theoretical constructions may appear.
✗ Incorrect
- Only focuses on 'empirical method' as the reliable approach
- Dismisses theoretical constructions rather than combining them with empirical testing
- Trap: Students might think this shows empirical testing, but it doesn't demonstrate the combination
Scientific theories should be constructed with mathematical precision and logical consistency, for these qualities alone distinguish genuine science from mere speculation.
✗ Incorrect
- Only discusses theoretical elements ('mathematical precision and logical consistency')
- No mention of empirical testing or evidence
- Trap: Students might see 'theoretical rigor' and think this matches, but it's missing the empirical component
Experience teaches us that the most sophisticated theories often fail when confronted with experimental evidence, which is why we must remain humble before the complexity of nature.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions theories failing when confronted with evidence
- Shows theories vs. evidence rather than combining them
- Emphasizes humility rather than the methodological combination Popper advocates