Experiments cannot validate hypotheses, only falsify them.
The statement above can be restated in which of the following ways?
A hypothesis that has not been falsified remains provisional.
Certain concepts cannot be subjected to direct experimentation.
Proving a hypothesis exempts it from further testing.
Until disproved, an explanation for an observation is valid.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
A hypothesis that has not been falsified remains provisional.
Explanation :
The principle underlying this statement stems from philosopher Karl Popper’s concept of falsifiability in the philosophy of science. Popper argued that scientific hypotheses and theories must be falsifiable, meaning they should make predictions that can be tested and potentially proven wrong through experimentation or observation. This is central to distinguishing scientific claims from non-scientific ones.
The statement “experiments cannot validate hypotheses, only falsify them” emphasizes that no amount of experimental evidence can conclusively prove a hypothesis to be true. Instead, evidence can only support a hypothesis until a counterexample or contradictory evidence arises. This means a hypothesis that consistently withstands rigorous testing remains provisionally accepted but is never immune to future falsification. Thus, it remains subject to ongoing scrutiny and revision.
The correct restatement, “A hypothesis that has not been falsified remains provisional,” aligns with this philosophy. It acknowledges that while a hypothesis may survive extensive testing, it cannot be deemed absolutely true because future observations or experiments might reveal inconsistencies.
The other options are incorrect because:
- “Certain concepts cannot be subjected to direct experimentation” is unrelated to the idea of falsifiability.
- “Proving a hypothesis exempts it from further testing” directly contradicts Popper’s philosophy, as no hypothesis is ever “proven” in a definitive sense.
- “Until disproved, an explanation for an observation is valid” is misleading because validity in science is not based solely on the absence of disproof; hypotheses must also be supported by consistent, predictive evidence.
In conclusion, the falsifiability criterion ensures that scientific progress is an iterative process, with hypotheses remaining tentative and open to revision. This mindset is foundational to the scientific method, fostering ongoing exploration and self-correction in pursuit of knowledge.