Rationality and demarcation problem in science Kuhn, Lakatos and Feyerabend

The problem of rationality and demarcation in science, which are among the main discussion topics of the philosophy of science, are two interconnected problems that are shaped in line with the demands of determining science based on what science is and demarcating between science and non-science. Since the 20th century the problem of rationality and demarcation became the main topic of philosophical discussion, especially in connection with logical positivism. Logical positivism focuses on determining the limits of science and by demarcating science from non-science. The elimination of metaphysics from science, scientific method, scientific explanation constitutes the main discussion topic. Logical positivism asserts the principle of verifiability and the way of logical analysis as a principle of criteria which characterize science itself. Consequently, the principle of verifiability sets two criteria for the acceptance of scientific propositions, namely significance and testability. Popper who concerned with the same problems like logical positivists, think that principle of verifiability is not sufficient. According to him, inductive inference made from propositions that are confirmed does not necessitate the accuracy of universal propositions. So, the principle of verifiability does not support the intended limitation for science. According to Popper, the logical criterion to demarcate science from the other activities is falsification which is based on the ground of testing and critical rationalism. According to this criterion, a theory is scientific to the extent that it specifies the conditions under which a hypothesis can be tested and further falsified. Kuhn's views are also crucial in the discussion of rationality and demarcation problems in science. As this study focuses, Kuhn's understanding of science emphasizes the importance of social and cultural elements in the scientific process .His understanding of science is characterized by the term paradigm which encompasses the whole scientific activity. Lakatos, another philosopher of science, bears the traces of both Kuhn and Popper's understanding of science. Lakatos' understanding of science is based on Popper's falsifiability principle but he also develops his views especially in line with Kuhn's critics. According to Lakatos, the smallest unit of scientific research program formed by the hard core, the protective belt and heuristic. Feyerabend, the last thinker which this study focuses on, has a completely different perspective of science from the philosophers of science discussed so far. His understanding of science deals with problem of rationality and demarcation in science. According to Feyerabend, all kinds of standards and criteria limit the process of acquiring knowledge. In this direction, Feyerabend presents an understanding of science that argues that science should be open to all kinds of thoughts. This study investigates the problems of rationality and demarcation in science within framework of the aforementioned scientific understandings. Keyword: Science, Scientific Criterion, Paradigm, Scientific Research Programs, Epistemological Anarchism