nonfalsifiable
Cannot be disproven
Nonfalsifiable describes a claim or theory that cannot be proven wrong because no possible evidence could contradict it.
The term comes from philosopher Karl Popper's criterion that scientific theories must be testable—capable of being shown false.
A nonfalsifiable claim isn't necessarily wrong, but it lies outside the reach of scientific investigation: The existence of an invisible, undetectable force is nonfalsifiable.
Often used critically to dismiss arguments that conveniently explain away all counterevidence.
Cannot be proven
- untestableCannot be proven false
- irrefutableImpossible to disprove
- unassailableImpossible to attack successfully
- unchallengeableCannot be disputed
axiomatic · tautological · circular · self-sealing · immunized · dogmatic · foundational · a priori
Falsificationist epistemologist from Vienna
- demarcationFormal boundary setting
- scientific methodStructured process for investigation
- empiricismKnowledge through observation
- testabilityCapacity for verification
epistemic · methodological · burden of proof · Occam's razor · skepticism · critical thinking · peer review · evidence-based
Divination by celestial positions
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
- psychicOne claiming supernatural perception
- numerologyMystical significance of digits
- crystal healingTherapeutic use of gemstones
palm reading · creationism · intelligent design · conspiracy theory · alternative medicine · paranormal · ESP · cold reading
Beyond natural explanation
- transcendentExceeding usual boundaries
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- spiritualRelating to the soul
- theisticAccepting divine existence
deistic · theological · immaterial · otherworldly · ineffable · mystical · numinous · divine
Unchallengeable official beliefs
- doctrineEstablished body of teachings
- faithTrust without proof
- ideologyStructured belief framework
- convictionFirmly held belief
creed · tenet · orthodoxy · gospel · absolutism · fundamentalism · true believer · zealotry
unverifiable
Cannot be proven
- untestableCannot be proven false
- irrefutableImpossible to disprove
- unassailableImpossible to attack successfully
unchallengeable · axiomatic · tautological · circular · self-sealing · immunized · dogmatic · foundational · a priori · nonnegotiable
Popper
Falsificationist epistemologist from Vienna
- demarcationFormal boundary setting
- scientific methodStructured process for investigation
- empiricismKnowledge through observation
testability · epistemic · methodological · burden of proof · Occam's razor · skepticism · critical thinking · peer review · evidence-based
astrology
Divination by celestial positions
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
- psychicOne claiming supernatural perception
- numerologyMystical significance of digits
crystal healing · palm reading · creationism · intelligent design · conspiracy theory · alternative medicine · paranormal · ESP · cold reading · anecdotal
supernatural
Beyond natural explanation
- transcendentExceeding usual boundaries
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- spiritualRelating to the soul
theistic · deistic · theological · immaterial · otherworldly · ineffable · mystical · numinous · divine · afterlife
dogma
Unchallengeable official beliefs
conviction · creed · tenet · orthodoxy · gospel · absolutism · fundamentalism · true believer · zealotry · blind faith
nonfalsifiablefalsifiable
Capable of being disproven
testable · refutable · disprovable · verifiable · checkable
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