Validation of Theory: Exploring and Reframing Popper’s Worlds

• Main Author: Steven E. Wallis
• Format: Article
• Language: deu
• Published: ARINA, Inc. 2008-12-01
• Series: Integral Review
• Subjects: Falsification; metatheory; philosophy of science; theory of theory; threeworlds; validation of theory
• Online Access: http://integral-review.org/documents/Wallis,%20Validation%20of%20Theory,%20Vol.%204%20No.%202.pdf

Popper’s well-known arguments describe the need for advancing social theorythrough a process of falsification. Despite Popper’s call, there has been little change inthe academic process of theory development and testing. This paper builds on Popper’slesser-known idea of “three worlds” (physical, emotional/conceptual, and theoretical) toinvestigate the relationship between knowledge, theory, and action. In this paper, Iexplore his three worlds to identify alternative routes to support the validation of theory. Isuggest there are alternative methods for validation, both between, and within, the threeworlds and that a combination of validation and falsification methods may be superior toany one method. Integral thinking is also put forward to support the validation process.Rather than repeating the call for full Popperian falsification, this paper recognizes thatthe current level of social theorizing provides little opportunity for such falsification.Rather than sidestepping the goal of Popperian falsification, the paths suggested here maybe seen as providing both validation and falsification as stepping-stones toward the goalof more effective social and organizational theory.