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Imre Lakatos’s Scientific Research Programme: A Critical Evaluation

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  • Larry Ebikekeme Wada

    (Department of General Studies, School of Foundation Studies, Bayelsa State College of Health Technology.)

  • Ejike Emmanuel Aroh

    (Department of Philosophy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.)

  • Paul Chikamadu Wagozie

    (Department of Philosophy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.)

Abstract

This paper is an evaluation of Imre Lakatos’s scientific research programme. The paper critically queries the submission of Lakatos in the history of science, against standard logic and the reality of scientific practice. Lakatos’s work is a constructive survey of the history of science. Hence this study assumes deconstructivist historiography as its theoretical framework for the analysis. To achieve its aim and specific objectives, the study adopts content analysis as its research method. It was discovered in the course of the study that Lakatos assumes without reference to scientific practice the irrefutability of the hardcore. Lakatos believes that his method proffers a much better explanation than Popperian’s falsificationism and the Kuhnian paradigmatic shift in the history of science. The paper argues that while Lakatos’s views could be seen to be original and compelling, nevertheless, it stands fallible and fraught with too many inconsistencies. This paper concludes with an attempt at a critical evaluation of Lakatos’s thoughts on the scientific method and its progress.

Suggested Citation

  • Larry Ebikekeme Wada & Ejike Emmanuel Aroh & Paul Chikamadu Wagozie, 2023. "Imre Lakatos’s Scientific Research Programme: A Critical Evaluation," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(9), pages 117-129, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:7:y:2023:i:9:p:117-129
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark Blaug, 1975. "Kuhn Versus Lakatos, or Paradigms Versus Research Programmes in the History of Economics," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 7(4), pages 399-433, Winter.
    2. Brahmachari, Deborshi, 2016. "Neoclassical Economics as a Method of Scientific Research Program : A review of existing literature," MPRA Paper 75341, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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