Falsifiable

Falsifiable, in the context of science and philosophy, describes a statement, theory, or hypothesis that can be proven false through observation or experimentation. It is a cornerstone of the scientific method, emphasizing that a good scientific idea must be testable and subject to empirical disproof. A statement is falsifiable not just if it is false but if it's possible to devise a test to demonstrate its falsehood. If no conceivable evidence could disprove it, then the statement is considered non-falsifiable, and thus, generally unscientific.

Falsifiable meaning with examples

• The hypothesis that 'all swans are white' is falsifiable because observing a single black swan would disprove it. This illustrates the core concept: the possibility of observation leading to refutation. Its simplicity makes it easy to test and see how it operates.
• Astrology’s claims are often considered non-falsifiable because they're vague and can be reinterpreted to fit any outcome. For example, a horoscope might say, 'You may experience challenges,' which is so broad that any event can be interpreted as validation, not a challenge to the theory.
• A well-constructed scientific experiment is designed to potentially falsify the hypothesis. For example, a drug trial needs to be constructed in a way that can show that the drug DOES NOT work, this includes testing the hypothesis with a control group to compare.
• The theory of gravity, while incredibly robust, is still falsifiable. Though it's highly improbable with existing evidence, new observations or measurements that deviate significantly from its predictions could lead to its modification or even its replacement, by showing it does not accurately explain observations.