An Application of Popper’s Method of Conjectures and Refutations to the Critique of Emerging Construction Theories

Karl Popper’s method of conjectures and refutationsis used as a framework to analyze and critique emerging construction theories. A perceived problem initiates the quest for tentative theories and error elimination as a solution. However, according to Popper, the result is a new version of the problem or an unintended consequence that creates anemergingproblem. The method of conjectures and refutations is a novel gateway into critiquing current theories by challenging the finding of a solution that does not in itself create a problem. From Popper’s theory we can paraphrase the following hypothesis: All problems seek solutions that create new problems. As society endeavors to solve today’s problems, we do not have the luxury of creating even bigger ones, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended. Therefore it is incumbent that researchers ask: what are the possible problems that our current theories and solutions may create in the short or long term? Popper’s method of conjectures and refutations offers a new way of critiquing existing theories and, in future work, evaluating the tools of Lean Construction as they are applied to solving real problems.