more from Aristotle

Single Idea 5862

[catalogued under 14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 6. Falsification]

Full Idea

If we have a single counter-instance, the argument is refuted as not necessary, even if more cases are otherwise or more often otherwise.

Gist of Idea

A single counterexample is enough to prove that a truth is not necessary

Source

Aristotle (The Art of Rhetoric [c.350 BCE], 1402b)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Art of Rhetoric', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,H.C. [Penguin 1991], p.213


A Reaction

This is Aristotle (pioneering hero) pointing out what we now tend to think of as Karl Popper's falsification, the certain way to demonstrate the falseness of a supposed law of nature, but finding one anomaly from it.