Falsification
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'''Falsification''', as it pertains to the methods of [[science]], is the act of disproving an [[hypothesis]], or [[theory]]. | '''Falsification''', as it pertains to the methods of [[science]], is the act of disproving an [[hypothesis]], or [[theory]]. | ||
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| + | Falsification is important, since one cannot [[proof|prove]] a theory to be correct; rather one can try to show that it is wrong. A successful theory is one that has not been shown to be incorrect despite many attempts. | ||
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| + | Philosopher [[Karl Popper]] called falsifiability a hallmark of science. Although in the opinion of some, Popper's definition is incomplete, it remains undeniable that falsifiability is an important part of science: a hypothesis that cannot be falsified is a hypothesis that makes no difference in the universe. | ||
[[Category:Science]] | [[Category:Science]] | ||
Revision as of 08:20, 23 April 2007
Falsification, as it pertains to the methods of science, is the act of disproving an hypothesis, or theory.
Falsification is important, since one cannot prove a theory to be correct; rather one can try to show that it is wrong. A successful theory is one that has not been shown to be incorrect despite many attempts.
Philosopher Karl Popper called falsifiability a hallmark of science. Although in the opinion of some, Popper's definition is incomplete, it remains undeniable that falsifiability is an important part of science: a hypothesis that cannot be falsified is a hypothesis that makes no difference in the universe.
