.

[Schrodinger]

Of course it is incorrect.

The absence of evidence does not suggest an outcome in either direction.

Edit: you bastard, you changed the poahlle

Q: "There is no proof that X does not exist. Therefore, I can claim that X does not exist."

A: False.

Edit 2:
Oh and as others have said it really depends on the context.
In a closed environment where the system is known in its entirety, then it is easy to make such claims.

In other situations such as approaching the universe with the scientific method approach we look at things differently. For example, we do not know the whole of the universe. We do not even know how many "layers of onions" the laws of physics may go down. Laws of the universe (physics), for example, can never be proven as complete and absolutely correct.

Just the same, we cannot prove the non-existance of phenomenon. HOWEVER, we do take certain preconceived views based on what our experience through experimentation and our own logic lead us to believe based on relative probability.

For example, using what we know about the universe so far and what I perceive, I think it is safe to ASSUME with a high probability that the core of the earth is not held together by the feces of ants. It very well could be, and I cannot prove it either way, but I have a strong suspicion that it is not. The non-exitstence of evidence does not let me come to any factual and concrete conclusion, however. I cannot say with certainty what the center of the earth is comprised of.

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: upsciLLion

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: Howard
How can you say something doesn't exist BECAUSE you can't prove that it doesn't exist?

Exactly. Although, how exactly do you go about proving something doesn't exist?

Assume it does exist, and find a contradiction.

Oh ok. I'll give it a try. I will assume you have a girlfriend, but yet, your left forearm is twice the size of your right

 

[Howard]

Ah, much easier to comprehend, but it remains a baffling question. Hmm... My layman's logic would pick false.

Is there a real answer?

 

[dsfunk]

your poll question is messed up

 

[DaveSimmons]

Context does matter.

If the existence of something does not contradict known facts and laws, then "it is incorrect to say X does not exist when you have no proof of the nonexistence of X."

To people saying that you can't claim the possible existence of something without evidence, geology, biology, physics and astronomy are filled with predictions that existed for decades before we had the technology to attempt to prove or disprove them.

Gravitational lensing was predicted by Einstein, decades after his death we are starting to find examples in astronomy that might prove its existence.

Similarly, several forms of a god / gods / creator (e.g. a "watchmaker god") do not contradict known laws in any way.

Or as Schrodinger stated more succintly:
The absence of evidence does not suggest an outcome in either direction.

 

[Kipper]

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: Howard
How can you say something doesn't exist BECAUSE you can't prove that it doesn't exist?

Exactly. Although, how exactly do you go about proving something doesn't exist?

If something is logically impossible it is feasible to say it doesn't exist. For example, a square circle does not exist.

 

[upsciLLion]

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: upsciLLion

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: Howard
How can you say something doesn't exist BECAUSE you can't prove that it doesn't exist?

Exactly. Although, how exactly do you go about proving something doesn't exist?

Assume it does exist, and find a contradiction.

Oh ok. I'll give it a try. I will assume you have a girlfriend, but yet, your left forearm is twice the size of your right

Ich habbe ein Zweihander.

 

[Tom]

my theory is stuff that doesn't exist doesn't matter.

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: Kipper

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: Howard
How can you say something doesn't exist BECAUSE you can't prove that it doesn't exist?

Exactly. Although, how exactly do you go about proving something doesn't exist?

If something is logically impossible it is feasible to say it doesn't exist. For example, a square circle does not exist.

No sh!t. That's like saying I have a pointy dull pencil.