refutation

Refutation is the process of demonstrating that a claim, argument, or theory is false or invalid. It seeks to undermine the premises, evidence, or logic supporting the statement, rather than to establish an alternative truth.

In logic and mathematics, a refutation shows a proposition is false. This may be accomplished by providing a counterexample to a universal claim or by deriving a contradiction from the assumption that the claim holds, a method known as reductio ad absurdum.

In science, refutation is linked to falsifiability: hypotheses are tested and may be rejected or revised when faced with contrary data. Philosophically, refuting an argument involves challenging its premises, logical structure, or evidentiary support rather than merely disagreeing with the conclusion.

In rhetoric and law, refutation is the act of countering an opponent's claims. Debaters present counterarguments and counterevidence; in legal settings, refuting evidence may involve presenting contrary facts, alternative interpretations, or expert testimony.

Limitations include that refutation does not prove the truth of the opposite claim, only that the original claim is insufficiently supported. Effective refutation requires precise reasoning, relevant evidence, and careful attention to audience and context.