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Explanations can be improved indefinitely from "summary" of The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch

The idea that explanations can be improved indefinitely is a central tenet of the philosophy of science. It acknowledges that every explanation is fallible and can always be refined or replaced with a better one. This concept reflects the fundamental belief that knowledge is not static, but rather an ongoing process of conjecture and criticism, of proposing and testing ideas, and of constant revision and improvement. In this view, there is no ultimate or final explanation for any phenomenon, only better or worse ones. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the notion that some things are inherently unknowable or that there are limits to what human beings can understand. Instead, it suggests that there are no limits to what can be known, only limits to what we currently know. The idea that explanations can be improved indefinitely is closely tied to the concept of error correction. In science, errors are not seen as failures, but as opportunities for learning and progress. By identifying and correcting errors in our explanations, we can make them more accurate, more powerful, and more predictive. This process of error correction is essential for the growth of knowledge and the advancement of science. Furthermore, the concept of improving explanations indefinitely is not limited to the realm of science. It applies to all areas of human knowledge, from philosophy to art to politics. In each of these fields, our understanding is always provisional and subject to revision in the light of new evidence or better arguments.
  1. The idea that explanations can be improved indefinitely is a powerful and liberating one. It encourages us to question our assumptions, to challenge authority, and to seek out new ideas and perspectives. It reminds us that no matter how much we know, there is always more to learn, and that the pursuit of knowledge is a never-ending journey.
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The Beginning of Infinity

David Deutsch

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