Contradictable
Contradictable describes something that can be challenged, refuted, or proven false through evidence, argument, or conflicting information. It implies that the statement, claim, or belief in question is not inherently or irrefutably true and is therefore open to being shown to be incorrect. The term focuses on the vulnerability of a proposition, highlighting that it is susceptible to opposition and may be successfully countered with counter-arguments, data, or alternative perspectives. It essentially indicates a lack of certainty or unchallengeable authority, suggesting a realm of potential disagreement and the possibility of establishing an opposing viewpoint as more accurate or valid. Contradictability underscores the essential element of argumentation and debate, creating a framework for evaluating claims and fostering deeper understanding and discussion on the nature of truth.
Contradictable meaning with examples
- The scientist’s initial hypothesis about the chemical reaction was deemed contradictable after further experiments yielded different results. His assumptions, once viewed as plausible, are now understood as lacking support, indicating how the scientific process relies on testing and revision. This shift in perspective demonstrates the nature of evolving knowledge and understanding.
- The politician's public statement regarding the economic growth of the region was highly contradictable; critics immediately presented statistical evidence that painted a vastly different, less positive picture. The public then debated the statement, calling its validity into question. This revealed the challenges around misinformation and the need to evaluate the accuracy of pronouncements.
- The defense attorney argued that the witness's testimony was contradictable because of the inconsistencies in the statements they had previously made. This challenged the credibility of the statements that were to be used as proof, focusing the attention of the courtroom on their validity and the importance of corroborating facts.
- The philosopher's assertion about the universal nature of morality became contradictable when presented with a wide array of cultural perspectives and practices. The argument demonstrated the diversity of values and beliefs and highlighted how the concept of absolute moral standards requires re-evaluation.
- The historian's interpretation of the historical event, although widely accepted for many years, became contradictable when the discovery of new evidence provided new context. The new information revealed new elements of events and opened the field to new debate, prompting historians to re-evaluate their conclusions and change the historical record.