The ethical dimension of Karl Popper's critical rationalism

Abstract

The aim of this paper is two-folded. The first one is to show the deep similarity between the philosophy of science and the social philosophy of Karl Popper. The second one is to underscore the ethical dimension in which Popper formulated his basic epistemological approach, namely, his critical rationalism. In his original formulation, we can find the means to overcome this minimal irrationalism that for him is necessarily included in his position and threatens to undermine it. In the final analysis, his outlook is better understood as an ethical deed or moral commitment instead of a theory or doctrine.