To give a causal explanation of an event means to deduce a statement which describes it, using as premises of the deduction one or more universal laws, together with certain singular statements, the initial conditions ... We have thus two different kinds of statement, both of which are necessary ingredients of a complete causal explanation.
Interpretation
A complete causal explanation requires both universal laws and specific conditions.
Karl Popper's quote emphasizes the importance of combining general laws with particular circumstances to fully explain an event. It illustrates the idea that understanding causality involves not just the rules that govern phenomena, but also the specific situational factors that lead to a particular outcome.
In practice
During a lecture on scientific methodology, this quote could illustrate the relationship between general theories and specific instances.
The growth of our knowledge is the result of a process closely resembling what Darwin called 'natural selection'; that is, the natural selection of hypotheses: our knowledge consists, at every moment, of those hypotheses which have shown their (comparative) fitness by surviving so far in their struggle for existence, a competitive struggle which eliminates those hypotheses which are unfit.
If you can't say it simply and clearly, keep quiet, and keep working on it till you can.
No particular theory may ever be regarded as absolutely certain.... No scientific theory is sacrosanct.
The belief in a political Utopia is especially dangerous. This is possibly connected with the fact that the search for a better world, like the investigation of our environment, is (if I am correct) one of the oldest and most important of all the instincts.
A rationalist is simply someone for whom it is more important to learn than to be proved right; someone who is willing to learn from others - not by simply taking over another's opinions, but by gladly allowing others to criticize his ideas and by gladly criticizing the ideas of others
Thus science must begin with myths, and with the criticism of myths; neither with the collection of observations, nor with the invention of experiments, but with the critical discussion of myths, and of magical techniques and practices.
I've been homesick for countries I've never been, and longed to be where I couldn't be.
To will is human, to will the bad is of fallen nature, but to will the good is of Grace.
Each time I free a child, I feel it is something closer to God.
If you want to prove that God is not dead, first prove that man is alive.
Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.
The problem is we need much more moral content.
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