Aren't all universal statements lexiconically supported definitions?

In summary: It's a process of acquiring knowledge about the natural world through observation and experimentation. In order to be considered scientific, a statement must be consistent with the scientific method. This means that the statement must be able to be tested and proven false. For example, the statement "All swans are white" is not consistent with the scientific method because it can be tested and proven false. The statement "No instances of observation O which have occurred are proof of the existence of a black swan" is consistent with the scientific method because it can be tested and proven false.
  • #1
kmarinas86
979
1
Universal statements are not falsifiable.

The reason is that they are defined, supported, reliant upon[...] lexicon!

Lexicon is not science, but its all about establishing vocal or verbal conventions that are "blurt" whenever referencing some concrete or abstract entity.

"All universal statements are lexiconically supported definitions" is an universal statement. It is not falsifiable simply because is it universal statement. It is without exception, peculiar to all languages, both in the ones that is used in and in the ones it is not used in!

Using this logic, we can arrive to the conclusion that even ALL existential statements are unfalsifiable.

Consider this:

"All instances of observation O which have occurred are proof of the existence of a black swan."

Which leads us to a refutation of the following:

"All swans are white."

The problem arises more clearly when someone suggest the contrary:

"No instances of observation O which have occurred are proof of the existence of a black swan."

Which is also unfalsifiable.
 
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  • #2
The lexicon definition came from the universal statement, not the other way around. Lexicon definitions is not authority in science. In fact, nothing is authority in science.

No scientists say that 'this is correct, because it says so in this book'.
 
  • #3
One clear definition is unfalsifiable.

A dictionary full of definitions may be falsifiable or not: all its definitions may be consistent with all others, or one of them may contradict one or more other.

Logic is unfalsifiable because its rules are established by definition and have all been made consistent with each other.

Logical statements made using a consistent dictionary may be falsifiable or not, depending on the semantics of the grammar used. I don't know if a grammar exists with the same rigor as logic. Math comes to mind, but it's not exactly usable in conversation.

Science is something else.
 

1. What does it mean for a universal statement to be lexiconically supported?

A universal statement is considered lexiconically supported if it is based on commonly accepted definitions or meanings of words. This means that the statement is supported by the language and vocabulary used, rather than by empirical evidence or logical reasoning.

2. Why is it important for universal statements to be lexiconically supported?

Lexiconically supported universal statements are important because they allow for clear and consistent communication. When a statement is supported by language and definitions that are widely accepted, it is less likely to be misinterpreted or misunderstood by different individuals or groups.

3. Are all universal statements lexiconically supported?

No, not all universal statements are lexiconically supported. Some statements may be based on personal opinions or beliefs, rather than commonly accepted definitions. Additionally, scientific theories and hypotheses often go beyond lexiconical support and rely on evidence and logical reasoning.

4. How do we determine if a universal statement is lexiconically supported?

Determining if a universal statement is lexiconically supported requires examining the definitions of the key terms used in the statement. If the definitions are widely accepted and understood, then the statement is likely to be lexiconically supported. However, if the definitions are subjective or open to interpretation, then the statement may not be lexiconically supported.

5. Can lexiconically supported universal statements ever be proven wrong?

Yes, even lexiconically supported universal statements can be proven wrong. Language and definitions can evolve over time, and what may have been widely accepted in the past may no longer be true. Additionally, new evidence or discoveries may challenge or contradict previously accepted definitions, leading to a change in the lexiconically supported statement.

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