A philosophical approach is suggested which regards scientific laws as based upon the structure of the universe but fully open‐ended in that the structure does not determine what must occur but only what cannot occur. There are thus infinite future possibilities but nevertheless a firm orderly system which permits reliable expectations within the limits of the system while at the same time there is scope for free will in a real sense. Such a view admits the limitations of a falsification‐of‐hypotheses approach to research insofar as it depends upon the single‐case basis of refutation. However it finds no problems with regard to a multivariate analysis of data assessed in terms of probability theory and considered in relation to its consistency with the total body of scientific theory, which it sees as having its basis in a 'thingness' concept that is both fundamental in our perceptual activity and acceptable as a basis for understanding the systematic orderliness of our mental expe