For something to qualify as genuine scientific theory, it must be something that can potentially be proven either true or false.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Consider the claim about what qualifies as a genuine scientific theory. 
Option 1: True. This would assert that a genuine theory must be potentially provable as either true or false. However, while scientific theories are testable and falsifiable, the key criterion is falsifiability, not the guarantee of being proven true or false in all cases. In practice, many powerful theories are supported by extensive evidence but are never definitively proven true; they can be challenged or revised. So labeling it as requiring potential proof of either truth or falsity is too strong and not aligned with the core demarcation principle.
Option 2: False. This aligns with the standard view in the philosophy of science that a genuine scientific theory must be falsifiable — it should make testable predictions that could, in principle, be proven false by empirical evidence. The emphasis is on the possibility of refutation, not on an absolute proof of truth or falsity. This recognizes that theories can be well-supported yet still open to revision or rejection in light of new data, which is a central aspect of scientific progress.
In sum, the statement in Option 1 overstates the criterion by implying that a theory must be provable true or false, whereas the accepted standard stresses falsifiability as the critical feature for a theory to be scientifically meaningful. Option 2 correctly captures this nuance, by focusing on testable predictions and potential refutation rather than guaranteed truth or falsity.

BIOLOGY 109 001 WN 2025 Quiz 2

For something to qualify as genuine scientific theory, it must be something that can potentially be proven either true or false.

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