Karl Popper and the production of scientific knowledge through the non-recognition of the sacred

Abstract

Africa is a geographical space where the “impossibilities” are given sacred status. Some occurrences are attributed to one or more sacred or spiritual entities whose intervention or presence can never be questioned. Whoever interrogates such a force is often seen as either abnormal or irresponsible. More often than not, one is bound to ask: Where are the intellectuals whose ideas should be able to remove these biases or veils from the minds of people? But the unfortunate thing is that they too are involved in this despondency. The fundamental problem here is that there is underdevelopment everywhere especially as it relates to science. But Popper had a different idea in mind. His idea is that science flourishes more where nothing is sacred. So, what has Popper done to ensure that sacred entities are overlooked while espousing scientific ideals? Leveraging on the critical method, which is an exercise of careful judgment or evaluation, this work demonstrates that scientific progress is a product of deconstruction of the spiritual aspect of reality.  This work will be of benefit for humanity because it will, with instances, show that progress is a product of falsification of the products/processes of the sacred.