The Principal Elements of Refutability Approach and Its Internal Inconsistencies

Conjecture, refutation, priority of theory to observation, verisimilitude and realism are the principal elements of refutability approach. Restating these elements, this paper is going to show some of its internal inconsistencies and argue that if observation wouldn’t play a positive role in making theory, there is no guarantee for verisimilitude to be achieved. Besides, it makes clear that some statements of priority of theory to observation are inconsistent with realism. And finally, it will be stated that the Popperian approach involves a kind of deep skepticism.