From the method of proofs and refutations to the methodology of scientific research programmes

Abstract

The paper is an attempt to interpret Imre Lakatos's methodology of scientific research programmes (MSRP) on the basis of his mathematical methodology, the method of proofs and refutations (MPR). After sketching MSRP and MPR and analysing their relationship to Popper's and Poly a's work, I argue that MSRP was originally conceived as a methodology in the same sense as MPR. The most conspicuous difference between the two, namely that MSRP is fundamentally backward‐looking, whereas MPR is primarily forward‐looking, is due to the fact that Lakatos could not carry out his project in the full sense. I also explain why he could not.