Absence of Evidence -- Evidence of Absence?

From Health Facts & Fears
May 12, 2005

Absence of Evidence -- Evidence of Absence?
By Dr. Marvin J. Schissel

The alternative fringe has embraced a trendy catchphrase: "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." It's cute, it sounds impressively philosophical, and, technically, it actually is true. But it can be deceptive, misinterpreted, and misused. The alternative fringe, which interprets lack of evidence as positive support, in effect expands the slogan to mean: "Absence of evidence is evidence of presence"...


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