Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lack of evidence for something does not prove that it does not exist.
- In plain terms
- Just because you cannot find proof that something is there does not mean it is not.
- What can you take from it?
- Absence of evidence is not proof of non-existence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does absence of evidence count?
- How do you prove a negative?
Another view
Sometimes absence of evidence does suggest absence when detection methods are adequate.
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