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Logic & science2 MINBrief fileEstablished evidence

The Counterexample Method

One well-built exception can defeat a universal claim.

01 / SUMMARY

In short

To refute All X are Y, find an X that is not Y. To show an inference is invalid, construct a case with true premises and a false conclusion.

03 / SCENE

In the wild

The claim all prime numbers are odd falls to 2, which is both prime and even.

04 / LIMIT

The limit

An anecdote does not refute a probabilistic trend; the target must actually be universal.

FINAL NOTE

What remains

Match the force of the counterexample to the exact force of the claim.