Falsifikációja

Falsifikációja is a term used in philosophy of science, specifically within the context of Karl Popper's philosophy. It refers to the act of falsifying or refuting a scientific theory or hypothesis. Popper argued that for a theory to be considered scientific, it must be possible to demonstrate that it is false. This means that there must be observable consequences or predictions that can be tested through empirical observation. If these predictions are not met, the theory is considered falsified.

The principle of falsification is central to Popper's demarcation problem, which aims to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific statements. He rejected the traditional view that scientific theories are verified by accumulating positive evidence. Instead, he proposed that science progresses by attempting to disprove existing theories. When a theory withstands repeated attempts at falsification, its corroboration increases, but it is never definitively proven true. New evidence that contradicts a falsified theory leads to its revision or replacement by a new, more robust theory.

Examples of falsification can be found throughout scientific history. For instance, the geocentric model of the universe was falsified by observations supporting the heliocentric model. Similarly, Newtonian physics, while highly successful, was eventually shown to be falsified by phenomena explained by Einstein's theory of relativity, particularly at very high speeds or in strong gravitational fields. Falsification is thus an ongoing process of critical testing and refinement that drives scientific advancement.