Non-Testable Hypothesis

Argument From a Non-Testable Hypothesis

Here is what it looks like to make an argument from a non-testable hypothesis.

In some ways, this isn't unreasonable to conclude. If humans exist, and we live on just one planet in the universe, it seems reasonable to conclude that other sentient lifeforms are out there, too. However, there is absolutely no way to test this claim.

Because there is no way at the moment to observe the presence of other sentient lifeforms, to argue they "absolutely" exist is to argue a non-testable hypothesis.

If there is no way on Earth to logically test whether something is true, then it is a non-testable hypothesis. You might be able to predict whether something turns out to be true, but you cannot predict whether something is true.

Here's a better way to phrase our thoughts about aliens.

Because this is not making a claim, this is not a hypothesis, non-testable or otherwise. This is a prediction and therefore not a logical fallacy.

Why a Non-Testable Hypothesis is a Fallacy

A non-testable hypothesis boils down to, "you can't prove this right, and you can't prove it wrong."

If something cannot be proven right or wrong, then what does it prove? It doesn't prove anything, which is the problem with arguing from a non-testable hypothesis.

To draw a conclusion requires evidence. However, a non-testable hypothesis cannot be supported by evidence and to conclude anything based upon a non-testable hypothesis is a fallacy.

Examples of a Non-Testable Hypothesis

Some examples of non-testable hypothesises would look like:

1. The universe was created by a higher power.
2. Love is the most powerful force in the universe.
3. Human beings are capable of unlimited potential.
4. There is life on other planets.
5. The concept of beauty is subjective and cannot be objectively defined or measured.

These hypotheses cannot be tested through scientific methods, as they cannot be directly observed or measured. They are often based on personal beliefs or philosophical ideas and are not subject to empirical validation or falsification.

Essay Example of a Non-Testable Hypothesis

Here is how someone might use a non-testable hypothesis as a form of support in an essay.

This quote is brimming with logical fallacies and more. However, can you spot the non-testable hypothesis amid the riffraff?

The non-testable hypothesis is in the second “point,” that the Illuminati are untraceable. Absurdly, this writer asserts that the Illuminati does things, despite the fact that it is impossible to prove or disprove the actions of untraceable "magic-like" entities. In reality, the writer cannot assert anything about a group that is "untraceable, as if magically concealed" for the very reason that they are "untraceable, as if magically concealed."

Difference Between a Testable and Non-Testable Hypothesis

All right, so how can one avoid writing a non-testable hypothesis? First, it’s important to understand what a testable hypothesis looks like. Here’s one.

Sure, this one is a bit obvious, but it makes for a good example. This hypothesis can be tested in the laboratory. Here’s another one.

This one can be tested by, well, petting the cat in various situations. He probably won’t always purr, a fact that will disprove this hypothesis.

Fig. 2 - Testable hypotheses can be verified by testing them.

Notice how, in these examples, there is some kind of test that can be performed. That’s it. That’s a testable hypothesis. If you can’t test it, then it is non-testable.

Tips to Avoid a Non-Testable Hypothesis

Non-testable hypotheses are ridiculous “logical arguments,” and you should be very conscious not to use one. Here are some ways to be sure that doesn’t happen:

To avoid a non-testable hypothesis, don’t make assumptions

When you assume things, you don’t verify them. When you don't verify something, you may employ a non-testable hypothesis.

For instance, someone might write in an essay that, "Because Shakespeare is a towering figure, the greatest of all playwrights, it is unlikely that he would make such an error in his play." However, this line of reasoning employs a non-testable hypothesis. You cannot prove that Shakespeare is the "greatest" of all playwrights, because "greatest" is a subjective term. Therefore, you cannot use such a notion in a logical argument.

This would not have happened if the writer had not made the assumption that Shakespeare is the best, and instead investigated that idea before committing it to paper. If they had investigated that idea, they would have found that it cannot be proven one way or another.

To avoid a non-testable hypothesis, don’t validate all beliefs as logical

It’s a fair idea to respect a non-harmful belief. However, just because you respect someone’s beliefs or opinions, it does not mean that you should accept their beliefs and opinions as valid in a logical argument. Validate yours and others’ beliefs not by volume of opinion, not by friendship, not by anything except logic.

If you fail to do this, you will find non-testable hypotheses creeping into your own logic. You want an essay that follows the logical road.

To avoid a non-testable hypothesis, understand your claims

The bottom line is this: when you make a claim, understand where it is coming from. Be sure you are not taking anything for granted or making an emotional claim. Be sure you are not speaking purely from a personal experience, as this can open the door for bias. Also, be sure you understand why you believe what you believe before you attempt to use it in a logical argument. You need to be certain you have empirically verifiable data to help prove your hypothesis. If you employ a non-testable hypothesis as the basis for your argument, it is dead at the get-go.

Synonyms for Non-Testable Hypothesis

The non-testable hypothesis is also known as the "untestable fallacy," the "unfalsifiable fallacy," and the "untestable explanation fallacy." All of these names refer to the exact same flaw in logic.

Note that an un-testable hypothesis is not synonymous with a hypothesis that cannot be tested yet due to the immediate limits of our science. For instance, in theoretical physics, there are many hypotheses that we cannot test yet. These theories and hypotheses are not fallacious; they are simply as yet unproven. However, using any such concept as evidence remains fallacious in argumentation, and is still an argument from a non-testable hypothesis.