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MENTAL MODEL · M12136

Falsifiability

Falsifiability
CultureHigh supportPhilosophy
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28

CORE DEFINITION

Falsifiability is a standard of evaluation of scientific statements, including theories and hypotheses. A statement is falsifiable if it belongs to a language or logical structure capable of describing an empirical observation that contradicts it.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Reduce cognitive load

Falsifiability is a standard of evaluation of scientific statements, including theories and hypotheses. A statement is falsifiable if it belongs to a language or logical structure capable of describing an empirical observation that contradicts it.

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A statement must entail a prediction that it would be false under specific observable circumstances to be considered scientific; if no counterexample can be conceived (such as a 'universal explanation'), it cannot be tested and falls into pseudoscience. The higher the degree of falsifiability, the greater the information content.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FalsifiabilityZH · Explicit
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