2007-11-05 03:23:42 · 4 answers · asked by Patty 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Logic and mathematics are artificial systems that function under man-made rules. In such a system, it is possible in some cases to demonstrate that something is absolutely true. This is called a proof. It is possible because these systems are defined with certain axioms that are true by definition.
In the natural sciences, because we don't know all the rules and can't take anything as absolutely true, we can never be sure that anything we think we know is the final truth of the matter. Scientific hypotheses can be disproven by the finding of contradictory evidence, but supporting evidence only allows us to say that the hypothesis appears to be true so far and to some extent.
2007-11-05 05:21:41 · answer #1 · answered by injanier 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Look at the regular spam on Yahoo! Answers from people asking for "proof" that the moon landings were real, or that evolution is true. Outside logic and mathematics, one person's proof is another person's conspiracy theory.
2007-11-05 08:03:34 · answer #2 · answered by bh8153 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sometimes proof is impossible in logic and mathematics.
So.. i don't know in other activity fields. Proof in biology would probably be observation..:).
2007-11-05 04:13:05 · answer #3 · answered by Matei Stefan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Under some circumstances, no. You can prove something wrong in science. You cannot, however, prove it right.
2007-11-06 08:52:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋