noun
falsification
The disproof of a claim or theory through contrary evidence.
A single counterexample allows the falsification of a universal claim.
Etymology
Falsification is formed from falsify, connected with making or proving false. In reasoning, it names the process of showing that evidence conflicts with a claim.
More examples
- The experiment aims at falsification, not confirmation, of the theory.
- Repeated falsifications of its predictions forced scientists to abandon the model.
- A claim that explains every possible outcome leaves no room for falsification.
Forms
falsification · falsifications
falsify verb — Show that a claim is false.
falsifiable adjective — Capable of being disproved by evidence.
Similar words
- disproof
- A more everyday term for establishing that something is false.
- refutation
- Can involve logical arguments rather than contrary empirical evidence.