What does the phrase “you can’t prove a negative” actually mean?
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Others have explained the idea behind the phrase. But this phrase is (or should be) used when another party is placing an undue burden of proof as an argument for or against something.
The unwary will fall into the trap of trying to “prove this”, while the savvier will retort with “you cannot prove a negative”. The reason, as others have pointed out, is straightforward. Proof of existence has to demonstrate ONE occurrence to satisfy the proof. Proof of non-existence requires evidence that UNDER EVERY POSSIBLE scenario, such an event cannot exist. These are wildly asymmetrical efforts.
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