Theories must make testable predictions to be validated.
Evidence
As philosopher of science Karl Popper has emphasized, a good theory is characterized by the fact that it makes a number of predictions that could in principle be disproved or falsified by observation. — Hawking, Stephen, A Brief History of Time, 32
Categorization
- corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Hawking, Stephen, A Brief History of Time, 32
- XREF: connects to: Deductive proof must rely on circular reasoning or endless chains — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 963; Facts must be discovered through observation rather than logical deduction alone. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2114; More confirming instances increase the probability of an inductive conclusion. — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 567 (+3 more)
Broader Connections
- More confirming instances increase the probability of an inductive conclusion.
#expands(0.55) — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 567 - A belief is an accepted assertion lacking absolute proof but prompting action
#qualifies(0.35) — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 239