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Proofs and Refutations
Imre Lakatos contributed fictional dialogue of students attempting to prove the Euler Characteristic in algebraic topology. This theorem discussed the properties of a polyhedral. Simply put it states that the number of vertices, minus the number of edges, plus the number of faces, will always equal 2. The formula resulting as V-E+F=2. -
Research programmes
Lakatos's second major contribution to the philosophy of science was 'research programme' in an attempt to bridge the gap between Popper's falsification and the structure of science as Kuhn describes. Lakatos' model aimed to combine Popper's empirical view with Kuhn's take on scientific consistency.
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/philosophy/compare-and-contrast-poppers-and-kuhns-theorys-philosophy-essay.php(http://www.timetoast.com) -
History of Science and Its Rational Reconstructions
Lakatos proposed a method for evaluating different theories of scientific method, namely by comparing their success in explaining the actual history of science and scientific revolutions and providing a historical framework for constructing the history of science. "Philosophy of science without history of science is empty; history of science without philosophy of science is blind." -
demarcation criterion of pseudoscience
Lakatos proposed that a theory is pseudoscientific if it fails to make any predictions of previously unknown anomalies in the scientific theories. He described it as progressive scientific theories, which are those which have facts confirmed, and degenerate scientific theories are those which facts are refuted. "A given fact is explained scientifically only if a new fact is predicted with it....The idea of growth and the concept of empirical character are soldered into one."
