probabilistic refutation
[/ˌprɒbəˈbɪlɪstɪk ˌrefjuːˈteɪʃən/]
nounpl: probabilistic refutations
refutação probabilística
1. A logical or philosophical argument that undermines a claim or hypothesis by demonstrating that it is probably false or unlikely to be true, using probabilistic reasoning or statistical evidence rather than absolute proof
The scientist offered a probabilistic refutation of the hypothesis by showing that the observed data had only a 5% chance of occurring if the theory were true
O cientista ofereceu uma refutação probabilística da hipótese ao demonstrar que os dados observados tinham apenas 5% de chance de ocorrer se a teoria fosse verdadeira
2. In epistemology and philosophy of science, a method of criticism that uses probability theory to challenge the validity or likelihood of a proposition without claiming absolute disproof
Popper's approach to probabilistic refutation suggests that scientific theories can be weakened through statistical counterevidence
A abordagem de Popper sobre refutação probabilística sugere que teorias científicas podem ser enfraquecidas através de contraprova estatística
This is a technical term primarily used in academic and scientific contexts in both English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking communities. It reflects the post-Popperian philosophy of science approach that acknowledges the probabilistic nature of scientific reasoning rather than seeking absolute certainty. The term is more commonly encountered in university-level epistemology, philosophy of science, and advanced statistics courses than in everyday discourse.
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