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As an incredibly simple example, it is a generally accepted scientific principle that dropped objects fall downward.  (Ignore various issues about imparting initial upward velocity, that is, throwing the object, or unusual frames of reference, like centrifuges.)  But it is possible to visualize what it would look like if one dropped an object and it fell upward.  Therefore, the theory that dropped objects fall downward is falsifiable.

As an incredibly simple example, it is a generally accepted scientific principle that dropped objects fall downward.  (Ignore various issues about imparting initial upward velocity, that is, throwing the object, or unusual frames of reference, like centrifuges.)  But it is possible to visualize what it would look like if one dropped an object and it fell upward.  Therefore, the theory that dropped objects fall downward is falsifiable.

To be considered [[scientific]], a [[hypothesis]] must be "[[falsifiable]]", i.e., capable of being proven false. If no one, not even the supporters of the hypothesis, can think of a way the hypothesis might be proven false, then most scientists would agree that it is not part of science (see [[pseudoscience]]). However, the [[history of science]] is full of examples whereby supporters of various theories refused to consider the prospect that someone might prove them wrong.

To be considered [[scientific]], a [[hypothesis]] must be "falsifiable", i.e., capable of being proven false. If no one, not even the supporters of the hypothesis, can think of a way the hypothesis might be proven false, then most scientists would agree that it is not part of science (see [[pseudoscience]]). However, the [[history of science]] is full of examples whereby supporters of various theories refused to consider the prospect that someone might prove them wrong.

For example, the suggestion that I would be very happy if I were ten years younger is not falsifiable, because it is impossible to test the hypothesis by making myself ten years younger and seeing how I feel.

For example, the suggestion that I would be very happy if I were ten years younger is not falsifiable, because it is impossible to test the hypothesis by making myself ten years younger and seeing how I feel.

Popper, and those who agree with him, categorize many types of ideas as unfalsifiable, particularly in psychology and religion.  For example, the proposition "Joe beats his children because his father beat him" is unfalsifiable, because we cannot perform a test in which Joe was ''not'' beaten by his father, and see if Joe still beats his children.  Because the proposition is not testable, according to falsificationism, it is no better than any other hypothesis, and therefore not useful, and not scientific. However, the broader hypothesis "Parents who were beaten as children are more likely to beat their own children" can be falsified - e.g. through surveys - and if that broader hypothesis was supported, it would also lend weight to the position that it was true in Joe's particular case also. Thus, while propositions about specific historical persons or events are not directly falsifiable, they can be indirectly falsifiable insofar as they depend on broader claims that are falsifiable.

Popper, and those who agree with him, categorize many types of ideas as unfalsifiable, particularly in psychology and religion.  For example, the proposition "Joe beats his children because his father beat him" is unfalsifiable, because we cannot perform a test in which Joe was ''not'' beaten by his father, and see if Joe still beats his children.  Because the proposition is not testable, according to falsificationism, it is no better than any other hypothesis, and therefore not useful, and not scientific. However, the broader hypothesis "Parents who were beaten as children are more likely to beat their own children" can be falsified - e.g. through surveys - and if that broader hypothesis was supported, it would also lend weight to the position that it was true in Joe's particular case also. Thus, while propositions about specific historical persons or events are not directly falsifiable, they can be indirectly falsifiable insofar as they depend on broader claims that are falsifiable.

A good example of an unfalsifiable concept is the nature of matter inside [[Black hole|black holes]]. By definition, the interior of a black hole cannot be seen and thus assertions about the interior are unfalsifiable.  

A good example of an unfalsifiable concept is the nature of matter inside [[black hole]]s. By definition, the interior of a black hole cannot be seen and thus assertions about the interior are unfalsifiable.  

==Carl Sagan==

==Carl Sagan==

[[Category:Philosophy]]

[[Category:Philosophy]]

== Reference ==

== References ==

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