It is not that we propose a theory and Nature may shout NO; rather, we propose a maze of theories, and Nature may shout INCONSISTENT.
Imre LakatosThe positive heuristic of the programme saves the scientist from becoming confused by the ocean of anomalies.
Imre LakatosBlind commitment to a theory is not an intellectual virtue: it is an intellectual crime.
Imre LakatosOne may rationally stick to a degenerating research programme until it is overtaken by a rival and even after. What one must not do is to deny its poor public record... It is perfectly rational to play a risky game: what is irrational is to deceive oneself about the risk.
Imre LakatosThe great scientific achievements are research programmes which can be evaluated in terms of progressive and degenerative problemshifts; and scientific revolutions consist of one research programme superceding (overtaking in progress) another. This methodology offers a new rational reconstruction of science.
Imre Lakatos