Changes

==Scientific proof==

==Scientific proof==

Unlike the [[theorem | theorems]] of [[mathematics | mathematics]], [[science | science]] does not seek to prove that its [[theory | theories]] are true. Instead, the [[scientific method | scientific method]] seeks to check whether the predictions implied by a theory are observed in nature. Therefore, as philosopher of science [[Karl Popper | Karl Popper]] argued, science can only hope to show that a theory is false. But scientists recognize that science ''can never prove'' that a theory is true in the same sense that a mathematical theorem is true. Therefore scientists never claim that their theories are [[fact | facts]]. Instead, science searches for theories that are not disproved by currently-known experimental observations. Insofar as theories are consistent with nature, they may serve as a guide to improve [[technology | technology]].

Unlike the [[theorem | theorems]] of [[mathematics | mathematics]], [[science | science]] does not seek to prove that its [[theory | theories]] are true. Instead, the [[scientific method | scientific method]] seeks to check whether the predictions implied by a theory are observed in nature. Therefore, as philosopher of science [[Karl Popper | Karl Popper]] argued, science can only hope to show that a theory is false. But scientists recognize that science ''can never prove'' that a theory is true in the same sense that a mathematical theorem is true. Therefore scientists never claim that their theories are [[fact | facts]]. Instead, science searches for theories that are not disproved by currently-known experimental observations. Insofar as theories are consistent with nature, they may serve as a guide to improve [[technology | technology]].