Falsifiability

Falsifiability, a core principle of science, means a hypothesis or theory is only considered scientific if it can be potentially proven false through empirical evidence or observation. 

In essence, a falsifiable statement can be shown wrong, while unfalsifiable ones cannot be disproven. This principle, introduced by Karl Popper, helps distinguish between scientific claims and those that lack a basis in testable evidence. 

• The Foundation of Science: Falsifiability is a crucial element of the scientific method, emphasising that a good theory should be able to be tested and potentially overturned by evidence. 
• Distinguishing Science from Non-Science: Popper argued that a theory that cannot be tested and potentially disproven is not scientific. 
• The Importance of Testability: For a hypothesis to be credible, it must be possible to imagine a scenario or experiment that could disprove it. 
• Example: The statement "All swans are white" is falsifiable because it can be proven false by finding a single black swan. 
• Not About Validity: Falsifiability doesn't mean a theory is invalid or incorrect, only that it has the potential to be refuted. 
• Falsification vs. Verification: While scientific theories are not typically proven "true," they can be corroborated through successful testing. Falsification is the process of attempting to disprove a theory, and if successful, it can lead to modifications or the abandonment of the theory. 
• The Role of Observation: Falsifiability relies on the ability to observe the world and compare observations against theoretical predictions.