Paul Feyerabend (1924-1994)

By thomas.chapman6

  • Born

    Feyerabend born in Vienna.

  • Transferred to Physics in Vienna

    Feyerabend published an article regarding the concept of illustration after transferring to the physics department from history and sociology. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.

  • Doctorate in Philosophy

    Feyerabend published his dissertation on "basic statements" and received a doctoral degree in philosophy. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.

  • Study under Popper

    Moved to England to study under Popper. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.

  • Full Time Lecturer

    Feyerabend began lecturing in philosophy at the University of Bristol, England. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.

  • Transfer to UC Berkeley,

    Feyerabend published works in favor of Popper's falsification principle, supporting scientific realism and discarding positivism. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.

  • Introduction of Incommensurability

    Feyerabend published his first account of the concept of incommensurability, crediting his earlier exposure to Wittgenstein's work. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.
  • Period: to

    Theoretical Pluralism

    Starting into the territory that would lead to his capstone work, "Against Method," Feyerabend began to argue that scientists ought propose and defend as many new theories as possible in order to challenge and uproot existing theories. In this, he began to critique his former mentor, Popper. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.

  • Science without Experience

    Feyerabend herein completed forwent empiricism, claiming no need for realistic application at any stage of scientific theory. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.
  • Period: to

    Against Method

    Insofar as his contributions to the philosophy of science, the publishing of this work advocating for epistemological anarchy is perhaps Feyerabend's most notable. It is suggested that any attempt to standardize methodology limits the creative exploration necessary for advancements of the field. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.

  • Against Method, Third Edition

    The third edition of his most notable work is published in the same year Feyerabend is found to have an inoperable brain tumor. Source:
    Preston, John, "Paul Feyerabend", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/feyerabend/.

  • Death

    Feyerabend died in Switzerland