Duhem-Quine problem

proper noun

The problem that it is impossible to experimentally test a scientific hypothesis in isolation, because every empirical test requires one or more background assumptions.

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Meanings

proper nounthe Duhem-Quine problem
  1. human sciencesThe problem that it is impossible to experimentally test a scientific hypothesis in isolation, because every empirical test requires one or more background assumptions.

Synonyms & antonyms

Also see
duhem-quine thesis

Origin

Named after French physicist Pierre Duhem and American logician Willard Van Orman Quine, who wrote about similar concepts.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Japanese デュエム゠クワイン問題
  • デュエム゠クワイン問題problem that a hypothesis cannot be tested in isolation from background assumptions
Cite this entry
APA

Duhem-Quine problem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Duhem-Quine%20problem

MLA

“Duhem-Quine problem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Duhem-Quine%20problem. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Duhem-Quine problem,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Duhem-Quine%20problem.

Source: Duhem-Quine problem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.