In Fabric, Deutsch introduces Popper’s evolutionary epistemology as one of the fundamental strands. Like variation and selection, knowledge is created through conjectures (bold guesses) and refutations (criticism, with empirical testing being the most severe form). He contrasts it with inductive theories. “Admittedly, inductivism is based on the common-sense theory of the growth of knowledge — that we learn from experience — and historically it was associated with the liberation of science from dogma and tyranny. But if we want to understand the true nature of knowledge, and its place in the fabric of reality, we must face up to the fact that inductivism is false, root and branch.”

That contrast between inductive and anti-inductive theories was the subject of a previous post. Deutsch figured prominently in it (and was gracious enough to review an earlier draft).

In his second book, The Beginning of Infinity, he extends and clarifies Popper in many exciting ways. Most importantly, Deutsch emphasizes the explanatory basis of knowledge. In so doing, he also clarifies the role and limits of prediction (and by implication, prediction engines). His TED talk might be the most expedient introduction to these ideas.