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[[Karl Popper]] persuasively argued that a theory that is not falsifiable is not scientific, because there is no possible way to disprove it. This is known as the doctrine of falsification.
[[Karl Popper]] persuasively argued that a theory that is not falsifiable is not scientific, because there is no possible way to disprove it. This is known as the doctrine of falsification.
==Carl Sagan==
In his book, "Demon-Haunted World" cosmologist Carl Sagan gives an example of a statement with this sort of premise saying: "There is a dragon in my garage." In order for one to prove or disprove the statement they are allowed to ak questions.
*''Q. Can I see the dragon?''
*A. No, the dragon is invisible.
*''Q. Can I tough the dragon?''
*A. No, my dragon is incorporeal.
*''Q. Can I hear the dragon?''
*A. No, my dragon is silent.
In this way, every question can be answered and therefore no the existence of the dragon is unfalsifiable. Simply put: it must exit.
[[category:science]]
[[category:science]]
[[category:philosophy]]
[[category:philosophy]]