Logik, Psychologie und Zufall in der Entwicklung wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse

Abstract

What are the fundamental methods of approach to the discovery of innovative scientific results in any branch of science ? Does one proceed strictly in a logical way ? In this article it is shown that the development does not proceed in a “step-by-step” manner in the sense of Karl Popper’s verification/falsification theory, but that discontinuities may occur which are called (by Th. S. Kuhn) “scientific revolutions after a crisis”. In addition, serendipities can be essential.