Probandum
Probandum is a Latin term meaning “that which is to be proved.” In the philosophy of science, it is used to denote the problem or proposition that a theory aims to solve or explain—the empirical content that would count as evidence for or against the theory. The probandum specifies the testable claims a theory makes and thus what would count as refutation if contradicted by observation.
In Karl Popper’s account of scientific method, the probandum plays a central role in falsificationism. Scientists
A well-formulated probandum yields clear predictions. When observations align with these predictions, the probandum is corroborated
Example scenarios often cited involve gravitational theory or other physical laws, where the probandum encapsulates the
See also: falsifiability, hypothesis, conjecture, Karl Popper.