Karl Popper Honorary Degree, 1971

This original document records the public oration delivered at the University of Warwick in 1971, marking the conferment of an honorary degree upon Sir Karl Popper. A towering figure in 20th-century philosophy, Popper is best known for his principle of falsifiability and his staunch defence of critical rationalism. His visit to Warwick symbolised the university’s commitment to rigorous, open inquiry. Ever the fearless thinker, Popper once famously told Einstein himself that he was not above criticism—an anecdote that perfectly captures his dedication to intellectual honesty, even in the company of legends.