TIGHAR

Chatterbox => Theorizing about Theories => Topic started by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on February 20, 2012, 10:26:43 AM

Title: Proving Negatives
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on February 20, 2012, 10:26:43 AM
'Negatives' can't be 'proven' ...

That is a negative statement.

If it were true, then it couldn't be proven to be true.

If it were an unprovable proposition, then your adherence to it would be a free choice, not mandated by reason or logic.

In fact, it is false that "negatives can't be proven." (http://www3.canisius.edu/%7Emoleski/proof/provenegs.htm)

Some negatives are demonstrable; others aren't.

That AE and FN did not land at Howland (a negative statement) is as provable as any other historical allegation, and on the same grounds: examination of the testimony of witnesses present at the time in question.
Title: Re: Proving Negatives
Post by: Irvine John Donald on February 20, 2012, 12:21:04 PM
Thanks to Marty for this thread.  Thanks to you Jeff for being a gentleman in your reply and for providing the link to Marty's paper.  A very clear, concise and well laid out paper.  And here was me thinking Marty only seemed to have time for administering this forum. :-).
Title: Re: Proving Negatives
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on February 20, 2012, 04:47:20 PM
Not sure how he finds time, but we're lucky to have him here.  Thanks Marty - this is a good place to be.

You're welcome, Jeff.  I'm glad you're enjoying TIGHAR's work.
Title: Re: Proving Negatives
Post by: Tom Swearengen on February 20, 2012, 06:07:04 PM
Jeff--your model would just look like a Gulfstream-