Karl Popper | 2025

This course explores Karl Popper’s “critical rationalist” philosophy. We will examine and challenge the assumptions that lead Popper to conclude that induction is a myth. 

Price

$1,500.00

Level

300

Timing

Q1

Format

Live

About this course

This course explores Karl Popper’s “critical rationalist” philosophy. The course begins by looking at the philosophical and scientific context in which Popper formulated his theories. We will examine and challenge the assumptions that lead Popper to conclude that induction is a myth. The course will contrast “critical rationalism” with the Objectivism’s theory of rationality. We will end the course by looking at Popper’s influence on the sciences and the contemporary “rationalist” movement.

Note: Students must own a copy of Karl Popper’s book, The Open Society and Its Enemies.

Course Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 16-Week Objectivism Seminar or Intensive Seminar on Objectivism II
Recommended: Foundations of Physical Science I: Motion and Gravitation

Instructors

Mike Mazza
Dr. Mazza is an associate fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. He specializes in the philosophy of science with a particular interest in causality. Dr. Mazza received his PhD in philosophy from Saint Louis University.

About Ayn Rand University​

Ayn Rand described Objectivism as “a philosophy for living on earth.” This idea is at the heart of the Ayn Rand University, an online school of philosophy whose mission is to educate our students about Objectivism and to provide them with the intellectual, career, and life guidance they need to flourish.
Ayn Rand University provides an online educational experience, giving you the flexibility to attend from anywhere in the world. Each quarter, you’ll take one or more courses that feature lectures, graded assignments, classroom discussion, and feedback from our expert faculty. You may also meet regularly with one of our mentors, who will work with you to help you reach your learning and career goals so you can achieve success in thought and action. Though our program is demanding, most students find that they can succeed by devoting about 10 hours a week to their studies. And while we strongly encourage live attendance, all of our classes are recorded so that you can conveniently fit our classes into your schedule.