What does the phrase “you can’t prove a negative” actually mean?
In: 1149
You can “what if” a negative statement forever. It’s an endless hole and you’ll never hit solid proof.
*”Prove there isn’t a unicorn in my backyard.”*
“Well, I just looked and there isn’t one.”
*”What if it’s invisible?”*
“Well, I checked with a heat sensor and there’s nothing there giving off warmth.”
*”What if unicorns don’t show up on heat sensors?”*
…etc. Then consider it the other way around, where you’re trying to prove a positive:
“Prove there **is** a unicorn in your backyard.”
“*Uhhhhhhhh…I can’t.”*
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