Does 'to prove' necessitate truth?





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If I prove something, does it have to be true?



I can structure the question more convolutedly: Does successfully proving something depend on the credulity of the audience, or the truth of the argument?



NOAD defines the word:




prove, v. demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument




Other dictionaries are similar. I find it unclear, though, whether 'demonstrating truth' requires something be true.



The problem mainly arises in historical arguments. In matters we still don't know, the distinction doesn't matter—"She proved God exists" vs. "She proved God doesn't exist"—because we don't know the truth. Some things, though, were previously thought to be true that are no longer considered to be true (cf. science). When writing after an idea has been disproved, should we still say it was proven?



Example:



Copernicus proved that the earth rotated around the sun. We still believe this. However, he also argued that the planets rotated the sun in perfectly circular orbit and that the sun was the center of the universe. At the time it would have made unequivocal sense to say he proved that the sun was the center of the universe. Now, however, we no longer believe the sun is the center of the universe, or that planets rotate it in perfect circles.



Is it correct, today, after Kepler et al, to say Copernicus proved the sun was the center of the universe?



Why does this matter? If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?










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  • 5




    Interesting... Philosophy SE might be better, even though this question is clearly about the semantics and/or conventional uses of the word "prove." But I'm going to mull on the question a bit.
    – Silenus
    Jun 26 '16 at 19:18






  • 2




    I think 1. That prove should only be used when it is incontrovertible. 2. many people use prove when they think they’ve proved something but may not have. 3. Today we might say Copernicus tried to prove or thought he proved ... 4. That just because someone says they’ve proved something doesn’t mean I believe them without further examination. 5. That a proof always is a demonstration that something is true. But that something might be an assertion that something else is false.
    – Jim
    Jun 26 '16 at 20:58






  • 1




    It is yet to be proven that anyone knows what "truth" is.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 25 '16 at 2:25






  • 2




    I'll note that there is an alternative meaning for "prove". In many cases a firearms manufacturer will fire an exceptionally powerful "proof" load in a new firearm to stress it beyond the limits of normal use. A firearm tested this way has been "proved", even though there is no more "truth" to it than a firearm not so tested. In this sense "prove" simply means to subject to exceptional stress.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 25 '16 at 2:30






  • 4




    While Copernicus theorized a heliocentric Universe, neither he nor anyone else said he had proved it to be the case. You should consider providing an example better suited to your question.
    – Doc G.
    Sep 25 '16 at 3:01

















up vote
4
down vote

favorite












If I prove something, does it have to be true?



I can structure the question more convolutedly: Does successfully proving something depend on the credulity of the audience, or the truth of the argument?



NOAD defines the word:




prove, v. demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument




Other dictionaries are similar. I find it unclear, though, whether 'demonstrating truth' requires something be true.



The problem mainly arises in historical arguments. In matters we still don't know, the distinction doesn't matter—"She proved God exists" vs. "She proved God doesn't exist"—because we don't know the truth. Some things, though, were previously thought to be true that are no longer considered to be true (cf. science). When writing after an idea has been disproved, should we still say it was proven?



Example:



Copernicus proved that the earth rotated around the sun. We still believe this. However, he also argued that the planets rotated the sun in perfectly circular orbit and that the sun was the center of the universe. At the time it would have made unequivocal sense to say he proved that the sun was the center of the universe. Now, however, we no longer believe the sun is the center of the universe, or that planets rotate it in perfect circles.



Is it correct, today, after Kepler et al, to say Copernicus proved the sun was the center of the universe?



Why does this matter? If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?










share|improve this question
















bumped to the homepage by Community 2 days ago


This question has answers that may be good or bad; the system has marked it active so that they can be reviewed.











  • 5




    Interesting... Philosophy SE might be better, even though this question is clearly about the semantics and/or conventional uses of the word "prove." But I'm going to mull on the question a bit.
    – Silenus
    Jun 26 '16 at 19:18






  • 2




    I think 1. That prove should only be used when it is incontrovertible. 2. many people use prove when they think they’ve proved something but may not have. 3. Today we might say Copernicus tried to prove or thought he proved ... 4. That just because someone says they’ve proved something doesn’t mean I believe them without further examination. 5. That a proof always is a demonstration that something is true. But that something might be an assertion that something else is false.
    – Jim
    Jun 26 '16 at 20:58






  • 1




    It is yet to be proven that anyone knows what "truth" is.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 25 '16 at 2:25






  • 2




    I'll note that there is an alternative meaning for "prove". In many cases a firearms manufacturer will fire an exceptionally powerful "proof" load in a new firearm to stress it beyond the limits of normal use. A firearm tested this way has been "proved", even though there is no more "truth" to it than a firearm not so tested. In this sense "prove" simply means to subject to exceptional stress.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 25 '16 at 2:30






  • 4




    While Copernicus theorized a heliocentric Universe, neither he nor anyone else said he had proved it to be the case. You should consider providing an example better suited to your question.
    – Doc G.
    Sep 25 '16 at 3:01













up vote
4
down vote

favorite









up vote
4
down vote

favorite











If I prove something, does it have to be true?



I can structure the question more convolutedly: Does successfully proving something depend on the credulity of the audience, or the truth of the argument?



NOAD defines the word:




prove, v. demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument




Other dictionaries are similar. I find it unclear, though, whether 'demonstrating truth' requires something be true.



The problem mainly arises in historical arguments. In matters we still don't know, the distinction doesn't matter—"She proved God exists" vs. "She proved God doesn't exist"—because we don't know the truth. Some things, though, were previously thought to be true that are no longer considered to be true (cf. science). When writing after an idea has been disproved, should we still say it was proven?



Example:



Copernicus proved that the earth rotated around the sun. We still believe this. However, he also argued that the planets rotated the sun in perfectly circular orbit and that the sun was the center of the universe. At the time it would have made unequivocal sense to say he proved that the sun was the center of the universe. Now, however, we no longer believe the sun is the center of the universe, or that planets rotate it in perfect circles.



Is it correct, today, after Kepler et al, to say Copernicus proved the sun was the center of the universe?



Why does this matter? If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?










share|improve this question















If I prove something, does it have to be true?



I can structure the question more convolutedly: Does successfully proving something depend on the credulity of the audience, or the truth of the argument?



NOAD defines the word:




prove, v. demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument




Other dictionaries are similar. I find it unclear, though, whether 'demonstrating truth' requires something be true.



The problem mainly arises in historical arguments. In matters we still don't know, the distinction doesn't matter—"She proved God exists" vs. "She proved God doesn't exist"—because we don't know the truth. Some things, though, were previously thought to be true that are no longer considered to be true (cf. science). When writing after an idea has been disproved, should we still say it was proven?



Example:



Copernicus proved that the earth rotated around the sun. We still believe this. However, he also argued that the planets rotated the sun in perfectly circular orbit and that the sun was the center of the universe. At the time it would have made unequivocal sense to say he proved that the sun was the center of the universe. Now, however, we no longer believe the sun is the center of the universe, or that planets rotate it in perfect circles.



Is it correct, today, after Kepler et al, to say Copernicus proved the sun was the center of the universe?



Why does this matter? If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?







meaning word-usage






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edited Oct 19 at 23:13









Nathan

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asked Jun 26 '16 at 19:14









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bumped to the homepage by Community 2 days ago


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  • 5




    Interesting... Philosophy SE might be better, even though this question is clearly about the semantics and/or conventional uses of the word "prove." But I'm going to mull on the question a bit.
    – Silenus
    Jun 26 '16 at 19:18






  • 2




    I think 1. That prove should only be used when it is incontrovertible. 2. many people use prove when they think they’ve proved something but may not have. 3. Today we might say Copernicus tried to prove or thought he proved ... 4. That just because someone says they’ve proved something doesn’t mean I believe them without further examination. 5. That a proof always is a demonstration that something is true. But that something might be an assertion that something else is false.
    – Jim
    Jun 26 '16 at 20:58






  • 1




    It is yet to be proven that anyone knows what "truth" is.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 25 '16 at 2:25






  • 2




    I'll note that there is an alternative meaning for "prove". In many cases a firearms manufacturer will fire an exceptionally powerful "proof" load in a new firearm to stress it beyond the limits of normal use. A firearm tested this way has been "proved", even though there is no more "truth" to it than a firearm not so tested. In this sense "prove" simply means to subject to exceptional stress.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 25 '16 at 2:30






  • 4




    While Copernicus theorized a heliocentric Universe, neither he nor anyone else said he had proved it to be the case. You should consider providing an example better suited to your question.
    – Doc G.
    Sep 25 '16 at 3:01














  • 5




    Interesting... Philosophy SE might be better, even though this question is clearly about the semantics and/or conventional uses of the word "prove." But I'm going to mull on the question a bit.
    – Silenus
    Jun 26 '16 at 19:18






  • 2




    I think 1. That prove should only be used when it is incontrovertible. 2. many people use prove when they think they’ve proved something but may not have. 3. Today we might say Copernicus tried to prove or thought he proved ... 4. That just because someone says they’ve proved something doesn’t mean I believe them without further examination. 5. That a proof always is a demonstration that something is true. But that something might be an assertion that something else is false.
    – Jim
    Jun 26 '16 at 20:58






  • 1




    It is yet to be proven that anyone knows what "truth" is.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 25 '16 at 2:25






  • 2




    I'll note that there is an alternative meaning for "prove". In many cases a firearms manufacturer will fire an exceptionally powerful "proof" load in a new firearm to stress it beyond the limits of normal use. A firearm tested this way has been "proved", even though there is no more "truth" to it than a firearm not so tested. In this sense "prove" simply means to subject to exceptional stress.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 25 '16 at 2:30






  • 4




    While Copernicus theorized a heliocentric Universe, neither he nor anyone else said he had proved it to be the case. You should consider providing an example better suited to your question.
    – Doc G.
    Sep 25 '16 at 3:01








5




5




Interesting... Philosophy SE might be better, even though this question is clearly about the semantics and/or conventional uses of the word "prove." But I'm going to mull on the question a bit.
– Silenus
Jun 26 '16 at 19:18




Interesting... Philosophy SE might be better, even though this question is clearly about the semantics and/or conventional uses of the word "prove." But I'm going to mull on the question a bit.
– Silenus
Jun 26 '16 at 19:18




2




2




I think 1. That prove should only be used when it is incontrovertible. 2. many people use prove when they think they’ve proved something but may not have. 3. Today we might say Copernicus tried to prove or thought he proved ... 4. That just because someone says they’ve proved something doesn’t mean I believe them without further examination. 5. That a proof always is a demonstration that something is true. But that something might be an assertion that something else is false.
– Jim
Jun 26 '16 at 20:58




I think 1. That prove should only be used when it is incontrovertible. 2. many people use prove when they think they’ve proved something but may not have. 3. Today we might say Copernicus tried to prove or thought he proved ... 4. That just because someone says they’ve proved something doesn’t mean I believe them without further examination. 5. That a proof always is a demonstration that something is true. But that something might be an assertion that something else is false.
– Jim
Jun 26 '16 at 20:58




1




1




It is yet to be proven that anyone knows what "truth" is.
– Hot Licks
Sep 25 '16 at 2:25




It is yet to be proven that anyone knows what "truth" is.
– Hot Licks
Sep 25 '16 at 2:25




2




2




I'll note that there is an alternative meaning for "prove". In many cases a firearms manufacturer will fire an exceptionally powerful "proof" load in a new firearm to stress it beyond the limits of normal use. A firearm tested this way has been "proved", even though there is no more "truth" to it than a firearm not so tested. In this sense "prove" simply means to subject to exceptional stress.
– Hot Licks
Sep 25 '16 at 2:30




I'll note that there is an alternative meaning for "prove". In many cases a firearms manufacturer will fire an exceptionally powerful "proof" load in a new firearm to stress it beyond the limits of normal use. A firearm tested this way has been "proved", even though there is no more "truth" to it than a firearm not so tested. In this sense "prove" simply means to subject to exceptional stress.
– Hot Licks
Sep 25 '16 at 2:30




4




4




While Copernicus theorized a heliocentric Universe, neither he nor anyone else said he had proved it to be the case. You should consider providing an example better suited to your question.
– Doc G.
Sep 25 '16 at 3:01




While Copernicus theorized a heliocentric Universe, neither he nor anyone else said he had proved it to be the case. You should consider providing an example better suited to your question.
– Doc G.
Sep 25 '16 at 3:01










4 Answers
4






active

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0
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The connotation probably derives from its Latin origin, which referred to showing that something was good, credibile:



Prove (v.):





  • late 12c., pruven, proven "to try, test; evaluate; demonstrate," from Old French prover, pruver "show; convince; put to the test" (11c., Modern French prouver), from Latin probare "to make good; esteem, represent as good; make credible, show, demonstrate; test, inspect; judge by trial" (source also of Spanish probar, Italian probare), from probus "worthy, good, upright, virtuous".




(Etymonline)






share|improve this answer





















  • There are conflicting (hypernymy-with-polysemy) denotations: check the disparate meanings given in say AHDEL. Argument from etymology to acceptable modern meanings is rarely precise.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Sep 28 '16 at 8:44




















up vote
0
down vote













The crux of your question seems to be:




I find it unclear ... whether “demonstrating truth” requires something be true. … If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?




If you consider the author reliable, then yes. When the author says someone proved something, the plain meaning is that the author considers someone to have confirmed something by means of a test:




She proved God doesn’t exist.




This means the author accepts the proof. But context is important. For example, there are many proofs of God’s existence or nonexistence, and also many counterproofs. In context, one can meaningfully write:




She proved God doesn’t exist. Her proof was discredited later when a flaw was found.




In this context, the author doesn’t accept the proof.



For a good confirming definition and numerous examples of prove in context, see the Oxford dictionary entry.¹



What is proven, what is true, and what is real are different things. When logic is used to prove a statement, that means that the premises and the arguments justify the conclusion. It does not mean that the premises are true, and so does not mean that the conclusion is true. It only means the conclusion is true when the premises are true. It also does not necessarily mean that a thing being argued about is real.



All blue cats are hyperintelligent. (True, but this does not mean there are any real hyperintelligent blue cats.)



My cat is real. (True, but this does not mean my cat is true.)



This is a true map of the territory. (Means the map does not lie, but does not mean the map tells you every real fact about the territory.)






share|improve this answer






























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    As someone pointed out, your Copernicus sentence isn't an authentic use of the word prove.



    Let's review how things work in science:



    Someone proposes a hypothesis. Evidence accumulates. Eventually we find the hypothesis so well supported that we begin to call it a theory.



    A theory is very likely true. There is a great deal of supporting evidence from a variety of sources. You may feel that the supporting evidence is so strong that you are comfortable believing the theory and treating it, in practice, as fact. Then we say that you accept the theory.



    In other words, as more and more supporting evidence comes to light, the probability that the hypothesis is true increases.



    I would not therefore recommend that you think in terms of black or white, true or untrue, but rather, that you think in terms of probabilities.





    Math has special meanings for "prove" and "truth" and so on, but I don't think you're asking about that.






    share|improve this answer






























      up vote
      -1
      down vote













      In general, prove does not necessitate truth.



      The meaning of prove (and truth) depends on the context.



      In the U.S., a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. I might be proven guilty in a court of law, but that doesn't mean I am guilty. It simply means that the judge or jury was persuaded by the evidence that I am guilty. So in this case, prove does not necessitate truth, as most people would construe truth.



      In mathematics, one often speaks of proofs, but prove in that case means deduced from some set of axioms. In this case, prove necessitates truth, depending on the truth of the axioms.



      Prove doesn't mean anything in science. Every scientific result is subject to change based on new information.



      I would say that no scientist has ever proven anything in the sense that their proof has necessitated truth, if by truth you mean "absolute truth about reality" (if there is such a thing as "absolute truth about reality"). They may have hypothesized or theorized that X is true, and a great deal of evidence supporting the hypothesis or theory that X is true may subsequently have emerged, but that doesn't make X true. It just makes X supported by compelling evidence, presumably more compelling evidence than the evidence for competing hypotheses or theories.



      As you have pointed out in your question, in science, we've learned later based on new information that X isn't true (or isn't quite true, viz. Newtonian mechanics versus special relativity), and put forward new hypotheses or theories to account for the new information.






      share|improve this answer



















      • 4




        If you have been proven guilty in a court of law, then you are guilty (in law). The real question here is not the meaning of prove, but the meaning of truth. Different realms can have different truths and different ways of proving them.
        – michael.hor257k
        Sep 25 '16 at 2:57










      • @michael.hor257k The meaning of truth is certainly a related a matter, which is why italicized it everywhere it appeared in my answer (which I've edited). I was simply trying to answer what I considered the OP's question.
        – Richard Kayser
        Sep 25 '16 at 3:11








      • 1




        No doubt you were. And I agree with most of your arguments, Except my conclusion is the opposite of yours: to prove does mean to demonstrate the "truth". Otherwise it would be meaningless.
        – michael.hor257k
        Sep 25 '16 at 3:20










      • @michael.hor257k Edited again. I agree that prove needs a context, and that that context depends on the meaning of truth. My examples make that abundantly clear. But I believe I have answered the OP's question regarding the meaning and use of prove in science or the history of science, based on reasonable assumptions concerning what the OP means by truth.
        – Richard Kayser
        Sep 25 '16 at 3:33






      • 1




        There is such thing as legal (or judicial) truth. It is no more and no less valid than any other "truth" in another realm. -- Again, the weakness of your position is that if to prove does not mean to demonstrate the truth, then it means nothing at all.
        – michael.hor257k
        Sep 25 '16 at 4:02











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      4 Answers
      4






      active

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      4 Answers
      4






      active

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      active

      oldest

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      active

      oldest

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      up vote
      0
      down vote













      The connotation probably derives from its Latin origin, which referred to showing that something was good, credibile:



      Prove (v.):





      • late 12c., pruven, proven "to try, test; evaluate; demonstrate," from Old French prover, pruver "show; convince; put to the test" (11c., Modern French prouver), from Latin probare "to make good; esteem, represent as good; make credible, show, demonstrate; test, inspect; judge by trial" (source also of Spanish probar, Italian probare), from probus "worthy, good, upright, virtuous".




      (Etymonline)






      share|improve this answer





















      • There are conflicting (hypernymy-with-polysemy) denotations: check the disparate meanings given in say AHDEL. Argument from etymology to acceptable modern meanings is rarely precise.
        – Edwin Ashworth
        Sep 28 '16 at 8:44

















      up vote
      0
      down vote













      The connotation probably derives from its Latin origin, which referred to showing that something was good, credibile:



      Prove (v.):





      • late 12c., pruven, proven "to try, test; evaluate; demonstrate," from Old French prover, pruver "show; convince; put to the test" (11c., Modern French prouver), from Latin probare "to make good; esteem, represent as good; make credible, show, demonstrate; test, inspect; judge by trial" (source also of Spanish probar, Italian probare), from probus "worthy, good, upright, virtuous".




      (Etymonline)






      share|improve this answer





















      • There are conflicting (hypernymy-with-polysemy) denotations: check the disparate meanings given in say AHDEL. Argument from etymology to acceptable modern meanings is rarely precise.
        – Edwin Ashworth
        Sep 28 '16 at 8:44















      up vote
      0
      down vote










      up vote
      0
      down vote









      The connotation probably derives from its Latin origin, which referred to showing that something was good, credibile:



      Prove (v.):





      • late 12c., pruven, proven "to try, test; evaluate; demonstrate," from Old French prover, pruver "show; convince; put to the test" (11c., Modern French prouver), from Latin probare "to make good; esteem, represent as good; make credible, show, demonstrate; test, inspect; judge by trial" (source also of Spanish probar, Italian probare), from probus "worthy, good, upright, virtuous".




      (Etymonline)






      share|improve this answer












      The connotation probably derives from its Latin origin, which referred to showing that something was good, credibile:



      Prove (v.):





      • late 12c., pruven, proven "to try, test; evaluate; demonstrate," from Old French prover, pruver "show; convince; put to the test" (11c., Modern French prouver), from Latin probare "to make good; esteem, represent as good; make credible, show, demonstrate; test, inspect; judge by trial" (source also of Spanish probar, Italian probare), from probus "worthy, good, upright, virtuous".




      (Etymonline)







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Jun 26 '16 at 19:26







      user66974



















      • There are conflicting (hypernymy-with-polysemy) denotations: check the disparate meanings given in say AHDEL. Argument from etymology to acceptable modern meanings is rarely precise.
        – Edwin Ashworth
        Sep 28 '16 at 8:44




















      • There are conflicting (hypernymy-with-polysemy) denotations: check the disparate meanings given in say AHDEL. Argument from etymology to acceptable modern meanings is rarely precise.
        – Edwin Ashworth
        Sep 28 '16 at 8:44


















      There are conflicting (hypernymy-with-polysemy) denotations: check the disparate meanings given in say AHDEL. Argument from etymology to acceptable modern meanings is rarely precise.
      – Edwin Ashworth
      Sep 28 '16 at 8:44






      There are conflicting (hypernymy-with-polysemy) denotations: check the disparate meanings given in say AHDEL. Argument from etymology to acceptable modern meanings is rarely precise.
      – Edwin Ashworth
      Sep 28 '16 at 8:44














      up vote
      0
      down vote













      The crux of your question seems to be:




      I find it unclear ... whether “demonstrating truth” requires something be true. … If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?




      If you consider the author reliable, then yes. When the author says someone proved something, the plain meaning is that the author considers someone to have confirmed something by means of a test:




      She proved God doesn’t exist.




      This means the author accepts the proof. But context is important. For example, there are many proofs of God’s existence or nonexistence, and also many counterproofs. In context, one can meaningfully write:




      She proved God doesn’t exist. Her proof was discredited later when a flaw was found.




      In this context, the author doesn’t accept the proof.



      For a good confirming definition and numerous examples of prove in context, see the Oxford dictionary entry.¹



      What is proven, what is true, and what is real are different things. When logic is used to prove a statement, that means that the premises and the arguments justify the conclusion. It does not mean that the premises are true, and so does not mean that the conclusion is true. It only means the conclusion is true when the premises are true. It also does not necessarily mean that a thing being argued about is real.



      All blue cats are hyperintelligent. (True, but this does not mean there are any real hyperintelligent blue cats.)



      My cat is real. (True, but this does not mean my cat is true.)



      This is a true map of the territory. (Means the map does not lie, but does not mean the map tells you every real fact about the territory.)






      share|improve this answer



























        up vote
        0
        down vote













        The crux of your question seems to be:




        I find it unclear ... whether “demonstrating truth” requires something be true. … If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?




        If you consider the author reliable, then yes. When the author says someone proved something, the plain meaning is that the author considers someone to have confirmed something by means of a test:




        She proved God doesn’t exist.




        This means the author accepts the proof. But context is important. For example, there are many proofs of God’s existence or nonexistence, and also many counterproofs. In context, one can meaningfully write:




        She proved God doesn’t exist. Her proof was discredited later when a flaw was found.




        In this context, the author doesn’t accept the proof.



        For a good confirming definition and numerous examples of prove in context, see the Oxford dictionary entry.¹



        What is proven, what is true, and what is real are different things. When logic is used to prove a statement, that means that the premises and the arguments justify the conclusion. It does not mean that the premises are true, and so does not mean that the conclusion is true. It only means the conclusion is true when the premises are true. It also does not necessarily mean that a thing being argued about is real.



        All blue cats are hyperintelligent. (True, but this does not mean there are any real hyperintelligent blue cats.)



        My cat is real. (True, but this does not mean my cat is true.)



        This is a true map of the territory. (Means the map does not lie, but does not mean the map tells you every real fact about the territory.)






        share|improve this answer

























          up vote
          0
          down vote










          up vote
          0
          down vote









          The crux of your question seems to be:




          I find it unclear ... whether “demonstrating truth” requires something be true. … If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?




          If you consider the author reliable, then yes. When the author says someone proved something, the plain meaning is that the author considers someone to have confirmed something by means of a test:




          She proved God doesn’t exist.




          This means the author accepts the proof. But context is important. For example, there are many proofs of God’s existence or nonexistence, and also many counterproofs. In context, one can meaningfully write:




          She proved God doesn’t exist. Her proof was discredited later when a flaw was found.




          In this context, the author doesn’t accept the proof.



          For a good confirming definition and numerous examples of prove in context, see the Oxford dictionary entry.¹



          What is proven, what is true, and what is real are different things. When logic is used to prove a statement, that means that the premises and the arguments justify the conclusion. It does not mean that the premises are true, and so does not mean that the conclusion is true. It only means the conclusion is true when the premises are true. It also does not necessarily mean that a thing being argued about is real.



          All blue cats are hyperintelligent. (True, but this does not mean there are any real hyperintelligent blue cats.)



          My cat is real. (True, but this does not mean my cat is true.)



          This is a true map of the territory. (Means the map does not lie, but does not mean the map tells you every real fact about the territory.)






          share|improve this answer














          The crux of your question seems to be:




          I find it unclear ... whether “demonstrating truth” requires something be true. … If I read that someone proved something, should I trust that their finding is true?




          If you consider the author reliable, then yes. When the author says someone proved something, the plain meaning is that the author considers someone to have confirmed something by means of a test:




          She proved God doesn’t exist.




          This means the author accepts the proof. But context is important. For example, there are many proofs of God’s existence or nonexistence, and also many counterproofs. In context, one can meaningfully write:




          She proved God doesn’t exist. Her proof was discredited later when a flaw was found.




          In this context, the author doesn’t accept the proof.



          For a good confirming definition and numerous examples of prove in context, see the Oxford dictionary entry.¹



          What is proven, what is true, and what is real are different things. When logic is used to prove a statement, that means that the premises and the arguments justify the conclusion. It does not mean that the premises are true, and so does not mean that the conclusion is true. It only means the conclusion is true when the premises are true. It also does not necessarily mean that a thing being argued about is real.



          All blue cats are hyperintelligent. (True, but this does not mean there are any real hyperintelligent blue cats.)



          My cat is real. (True, but this does not mean my cat is true.)



          This is a true map of the territory. (Means the map does not lie, but does not mean the map tells you every real fact about the territory.)







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited Sep 28 '16 at 18:29

























          answered Sep 28 '16 at 18:22









          MetaEd

          25.2k1371121




          25.2k1371121






















              up vote
              0
              down vote













              As someone pointed out, your Copernicus sentence isn't an authentic use of the word prove.



              Let's review how things work in science:



              Someone proposes a hypothesis. Evidence accumulates. Eventually we find the hypothesis so well supported that we begin to call it a theory.



              A theory is very likely true. There is a great deal of supporting evidence from a variety of sources. You may feel that the supporting evidence is so strong that you are comfortable believing the theory and treating it, in practice, as fact. Then we say that you accept the theory.



              In other words, as more and more supporting evidence comes to light, the probability that the hypothesis is true increases.



              I would not therefore recommend that you think in terms of black or white, true or untrue, but rather, that you think in terms of probabilities.





              Math has special meanings for "prove" and "truth" and so on, but I don't think you're asking about that.






              share|improve this answer



























                up vote
                0
                down vote













                As someone pointed out, your Copernicus sentence isn't an authentic use of the word prove.



                Let's review how things work in science:



                Someone proposes a hypothesis. Evidence accumulates. Eventually we find the hypothesis so well supported that we begin to call it a theory.



                A theory is very likely true. There is a great deal of supporting evidence from a variety of sources. You may feel that the supporting evidence is so strong that you are comfortable believing the theory and treating it, in practice, as fact. Then we say that you accept the theory.



                In other words, as more and more supporting evidence comes to light, the probability that the hypothesis is true increases.



                I would not therefore recommend that you think in terms of black or white, true or untrue, but rather, that you think in terms of probabilities.





                Math has special meanings for "prove" and "truth" and so on, but I don't think you're asking about that.






                share|improve this answer

























                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote









                  As someone pointed out, your Copernicus sentence isn't an authentic use of the word prove.



                  Let's review how things work in science:



                  Someone proposes a hypothesis. Evidence accumulates. Eventually we find the hypothesis so well supported that we begin to call it a theory.



                  A theory is very likely true. There is a great deal of supporting evidence from a variety of sources. You may feel that the supporting evidence is so strong that you are comfortable believing the theory and treating it, in practice, as fact. Then we say that you accept the theory.



                  In other words, as more and more supporting evidence comes to light, the probability that the hypothesis is true increases.



                  I would not therefore recommend that you think in terms of black or white, true or untrue, but rather, that you think in terms of probabilities.





                  Math has special meanings for "prove" and "truth" and so on, but I don't think you're asking about that.






                  share|improve this answer














                  As someone pointed out, your Copernicus sentence isn't an authentic use of the word prove.



                  Let's review how things work in science:



                  Someone proposes a hypothesis. Evidence accumulates. Eventually we find the hypothesis so well supported that we begin to call it a theory.



                  A theory is very likely true. There is a great deal of supporting evidence from a variety of sources. You may feel that the supporting evidence is so strong that you are comfortable believing the theory and treating it, in practice, as fact. Then we say that you accept the theory.



                  In other words, as more and more supporting evidence comes to light, the probability that the hypothesis is true increases.



                  I would not therefore recommend that you think in terms of black or white, true or untrue, but rather, that you think in terms of probabilities.





                  Math has special meanings for "prove" and "truth" and so on, but I don't think you're asking about that.







                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited Sep 29 '16 at 3:17

























                  answered Sep 29 '16 at 3:12









                  aparente001

                  14.6k43166




                  14.6k43166






















                      up vote
                      -1
                      down vote













                      In general, prove does not necessitate truth.



                      The meaning of prove (and truth) depends on the context.



                      In the U.S., a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. I might be proven guilty in a court of law, but that doesn't mean I am guilty. It simply means that the judge or jury was persuaded by the evidence that I am guilty. So in this case, prove does not necessitate truth, as most people would construe truth.



                      In mathematics, one often speaks of proofs, but prove in that case means deduced from some set of axioms. In this case, prove necessitates truth, depending on the truth of the axioms.



                      Prove doesn't mean anything in science. Every scientific result is subject to change based on new information.



                      I would say that no scientist has ever proven anything in the sense that their proof has necessitated truth, if by truth you mean "absolute truth about reality" (if there is such a thing as "absolute truth about reality"). They may have hypothesized or theorized that X is true, and a great deal of evidence supporting the hypothesis or theory that X is true may subsequently have emerged, but that doesn't make X true. It just makes X supported by compelling evidence, presumably more compelling evidence than the evidence for competing hypotheses or theories.



                      As you have pointed out in your question, in science, we've learned later based on new information that X isn't true (or isn't quite true, viz. Newtonian mechanics versus special relativity), and put forward new hypotheses or theories to account for the new information.






                      share|improve this answer



















                      • 4




                        If you have been proven guilty in a court of law, then you are guilty (in law). The real question here is not the meaning of prove, but the meaning of truth. Different realms can have different truths and different ways of proving them.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 2:57










                      • @michael.hor257k The meaning of truth is certainly a related a matter, which is why italicized it everywhere it appeared in my answer (which I've edited). I was simply trying to answer what I considered the OP's question.
                        – Richard Kayser
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:11








                      • 1




                        No doubt you were. And I agree with most of your arguments, Except my conclusion is the opposite of yours: to prove does mean to demonstrate the "truth". Otherwise it would be meaningless.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:20










                      • @michael.hor257k Edited again. I agree that prove needs a context, and that that context depends on the meaning of truth. My examples make that abundantly clear. But I believe I have answered the OP's question regarding the meaning and use of prove in science or the history of science, based on reasonable assumptions concerning what the OP means by truth.
                        – Richard Kayser
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:33






                      • 1




                        There is such thing as legal (or judicial) truth. It is no more and no less valid than any other "truth" in another realm. -- Again, the weakness of your position is that if to prove does not mean to demonstrate the truth, then it means nothing at all.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 4:02















                      up vote
                      -1
                      down vote













                      In general, prove does not necessitate truth.



                      The meaning of prove (and truth) depends on the context.



                      In the U.S., a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. I might be proven guilty in a court of law, but that doesn't mean I am guilty. It simply means that the judge or jury was persuaded by the evidence that I am guilty. So in this case, prove does not necessitate truth, as most people would construe truth.



                      In mathematics, one often speaks of proofs, but prove in that case means deduced from some set of axioms. In this case, prove necessitates truth, depending on the truth of the axioms.



                      Prove doesn't mean anything in science. Every scientific result is subject to change based on new information.



                      I would say that no scientist has ever proven anything in the sense that their proof has necessitated truth, if by truth you mean "absolute truth about reality" (if there is such a thing as "absolute truth about reality"). They may have hypothesized or theorized that X is true, and a great deal of evidence supporting the hypothesis or theory that X is true may subsequently have emerged, but that doesn't make X true. It just makes X supported by compelling evidence, presumably more compelling evidence than the evidence for competing hypotheses or theories.



                      As you have pointed out in your question, in science, we've learned later based on new information that X isn't true (or isn't quite true, viz. Newtonian mechanics versus special relativity), and put forward new hypotheses or theories to account for the new information.






                      share|improve this answer



















                      • 4




                        If you have been proven guilty in a court of law, then you are guilty (in law). The real question here is not the meaning of prove, but the meaning of truth. Different realms can have different truths and different ways of proving them.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 2:57










                      • @michael.hor257k The meaning of truth is certainly a related a matter, which is why italicized it everywhere it appeared in my answer (which I've edited). I was simply trying to answer what I considered the OP's question.
                        – Richard Kayser
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:11








                      • 1




                        No doubt you were. And I agree with most of your arguments, Except my conclusion is the opposite of yours: to prove does mean to demonstrate the "truth". Otherwise it would be meaningless.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:20










                      • @michael.hor257k Edited again. I agree that prove needs a context, and that that context depends on the meaning of truth. My examples make that abundantly clear. But I believe I have answered the OP's question regarding the meaning and use of prove in science or the history of science, based on reasonable assumptions concerning what the OP means by truth.
                        – Richard Kayser
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:33






                      • 1




                        There is such thing as legal (or judicial) truth. It is no more and no less valid than any other "truth" in another realm. -- Again, the weakness of your position is that if to prove does not mean to demonstrate the truth, then it means nothing at all.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 4:02













                      up vote
                      -1
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      -1
                      down vote









                      In general, prove does not necessitate truth.



                      The meaning of prove (and truth) depends on the context.



                      In the U.S., a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. I might be proven guilty in a court of law, but that doesn't mean I am guilty. It simply means that the judge or jury was persuaded by the evidence that I am guilty. So in this case, prove does not necessitate truth, as most people would construe truth.



                      In mathematics, one often speaks of proofs, but prove in that case means deduced from some set of axioms. In this case, prove necessitates truth, depending on the truth of the axioms.



                      Prove doesn't mean anything in science. Every scientific result is subject to change based on new information.



                      I would say that no scientist has ever proven anything in the sense that their proof has necessitated truth, if by truth you mean "absolute truth about reality" (if there is such a thing as "absolute truth about reality"). They may have hypothesized or theorized that X is true, and a great deal of evidence supporting the hypothesis or theory that X is true may subsequently have emerged, but that doesn't make X true. It just makes X supported by compelling evidence, presumably more compelling evidence than the evidence for competing hypotheses or theories.



                      As you have pointed out in your question, in science, we've learned later based on new information that X isn't true (or isn't quite true, viz. Newtonian mechanics versus special relativity), and put forward new hypotheses or theories to account for the new information.






                      share|improve this answer














                      In general, prove does not necessitate truth.



                      The meaning of prove (and truth) depends on the context.



                      In the U.S., a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. I might be proven guilty in a court of law, but that doesn't mean I am guilty. It simply means that the judge or jury was persuaded by the evidence that I am guilty. So in this case, prove does not necessitate truth, as most people would construe truth.



                      In mathematics, one often speaks of proofs, but prove in that case means deduced from some set of axioms. In this case, prove necessitates truth, depending on the truth of the axioms.



                      Prove doesn't mean anything in science. Every scientific result is subject to change based on new information.



                      I would say that no scientist has ever proven anything in the sense that their proof has necessitated truth, if by truth you mean "absolute truth about reality" (if there is such a thing as "absolute truth about reality"). They may have hypothesized or theorized that X is true, and a great deal of evidence supporting the hypothesis or theory that X is true may subsequently have emerged, but that doesn't make X true. It just makes X supported by compelling evidence, presumably more compelling evidence than the evidence for competing hypotheses or theories.



                      As you have pointed out in your question, in science, we've learned later based on new information that X isn't true (or isn't quite true, viz. Newtonian mechanics versus special relativity), and put forward new hypotheses or theories to account for the new information.







                      share|improve this answer














                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer








                      edited Sep 25 '16 at 3:45

























                      answered Sep 25 '16 at 2:36









                      Richard Kayser

                      12.3k11541




                      12.3k11541








                      • 4




                        If you have been proven guilty in a court of law, then you are guilty (in law). The real question here is not the meaning of prove, but the meaning of truth. Different realms can have different truths and different ways of proving them.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 2:57










                      • @michael.hor257k The meaning of truth is certainly a related a matter, which is why italicized it everywhere it appeared in my answer (which I've edited). I was simply trying to answer what I considered the OP's question.
                        – Richard Kayser
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:11








                      • 1




                        No doubt you were. And I agree with most of your arguments, Except my conclusion is the opposite of yours: to prove does mean to demonstrate the "truth". Otherwise it would be meaningless.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:20










                      • @michael.hor257k Edited again. I agree that prove needs a context, and that that context depends on the meaning of truth. My examples make that abundantly clear. But I believe I have answered the OP's question regarding the meaning and use of prove in science or the history of science, based on reasonable assumptions concerning what the OP means by truth.
                        – Richard Kayser
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:33






                      • 1




                        There is such thing as legal (or judicial) truth. It is no more and no less valid than any other "truth" in another realm. -- Again, the weakness of your position is that if to prove does not mean to demonstrate the truth, then it means nothing at all.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 4:02














                      • 4




                        If you have been proven guilty in a court of law, then you are guilty (in law). The real question here is not the meaning of prove, but the meaning of truth. Different realms can have different truths and different ways of proving them.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 2:57










                      • @michael.hor257k The meaning of truth is certainly a related a matter, which is why italicized it everywhere it appeared in my answer (which I've edited). I was simply trying to answer what I considered the OP's question.
                        – Richard Kayser
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:11








                      • 1




                        No doubt you were. And I agree with most of your arguments, Except my conclusion is the opposite of yours: to prove does mean to demonstrate the "truth". Otherwise it would be meaningless.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:20










                      • @michael.hor257k Edited again. I agree that prove needs a context, and that that context depends on the meaning of truth. My examples make that abundantly clear. But I believe I have answered the OP's question regarding the meaning and use of prove in science or the history of science, based on reasonable assumptions concerning what the OP means by truth.
                        – Richard Kayser
                        Sep 25 '16 at 3:33






                      • 1




                        There is such thing as legal (or judicial) truth. It is no more and no less valid than any other "truth" in another realm. -- Again, the weakness of your position is that if to prove does not mean to demonstrate the truth, then it means nothing at all.
                        – michael.hor257k
                        Sep 25 '16 at 4:02








                      4




                      4




                      If you have been proven guilty in a court of law, then you are guilty (in law). The real question here is not the meaning of prove, but the meaning of truth. Different realms can have different truths and different ways of proving them.
                      – michael.hor257k
                      Sep 25 '16 at 2:57




                      If you have been proven guilty in a court of law, then you are guilty (in law). The real question here is not the meaning of prove, but the meaning of truth. Different realms can have different truths and different ways of proving them.
                      – michael.hor257k
                      Sep 25 '16 at 2:57












                      @michael.hor257k The meaning of truth is certainly a related a matter, which is why italicized it everywhere it appeared in my answer (which I've edited). I was simply trying to answer what I considered the OP's question.
                      – Richard Kayser
                      Sep 25 '16 at 3:11






                      @michael.hor257k The meaning of truth is certainly a related a matter, which is why italicized it everywhere it appeared in my answer (which I've edited). I was simply trying to answer what I considered the OP's question.
                      – Richard Kayser
                      Sep 25 '16 at 3:11






                      1




                      1




                      No doubt you were. And I agree with most of your arguments, Except my conclusion is the opposite of yours: to prove does mean to demonstrate the "truth". Otherwise it would be meaningless.
                      – michael.hor257k
                      Sep 25 '16 at 3:20




                      No doubt you were. And I agree with most of your arguments, Except my conclusion is the opposite of yours: to prove does mean to demonstrate the "truth". Otherwise it would be meaningless.
                      – michael.hor257k
                      Sep 25 '16 at 3:20












                      @michael.hor257k Edited again. I agree that prove needs a context, and that that context depends on the meaning of truth. My examples make that abundantly clear. But I believe I have answered the OP's question regarding the meaning and use of prove in science or the history of science, based on reasonable assumptions concerning what the OP means by truth.
                      – Richard Kayser
                      Sep 25 '16 at 3:33




                      @michael.hor257k Edited again. I agree that prove needs a context, and that that context depends on the meaning of truth. My examples make that abundantly clear. But I believe I have answered the OP's question regarding the meaning and use of prove in science or the history of science, based on reasonable assumptions concerning what the OP means by truth.
                      – Richard Kayser
                      Sep 25 '16 at 3:33




                      1




                      1




                      There is such thing as legal (or judicial) truth. It is no more and no less valid than any other "truth" in another realm. -- Again, the weakness of your position is that if to prove does not mean to demonstrate the truth, then it means nothing at all.
                      – michael.hor257k
                      Sep 25 '16 at 4:02




                      There is such thing as legal (or judicial) truth. It is no more and no less valid than any other "truth" in another realm. -- Again, the weakness of your position is that if to prove does not mean to demonstrate the truth, then it means nothing at all.
                      – michael.hor257k
                      Sep 25 '16 at 4:02


















                       

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