Falsificationism
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
Falsificationism, proposed by Popper, holds that a theory is scientific insofar as it can be falsified, and one should actively look for evidence that could overturn a hypothesis. Its scaffolding value is seeking counterexamples rather than confirmation: genuine progress of knowledge comes from eliminating wrong theories, not from piling up confirming evidence.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Seek counterexamples: actively hunt for evidence that would overturn your hypothesis. - Eliminate rather than accumulate: real progress comes from discarding wrong theories, not from stacking confirming evidence.
Anchor fast decisions
The scientific nature of a theory lies in the existence of observable counterexamples that can refute it; confirmation cannot be exhaustive, but a single falsification is decisive, so knowledge progresses through "bold conjectures and strict refutations" rather than accumulation of confirmations.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falsificationismverified
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