The evidence for stellar-sized black holes and supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies, including our own Milky Way Galaxy, is strong. However, it is very difficult to prove absolutely that they exist because black holes themselves emit no light. We can infer their existence only from their powerful gravitational influences on surrounding matter. How compelling do you find the evidence? Do you think astronomers have proven the case for black holes beyond a reasonable doubt? Beyond scientific doubt?
Now consider that this is how all of science works. In fact, this is how all of life works. It is impossible to “absolutely prove” anything using science. Some people find this surprising when they hear it for the first time. Science can form conceptual models that explain observations and collect evidence to either support or falsify the models. All scientific theories develop this way, including all theories of gravity, all theories of stellar evolution, all theories of human behavior, all theories of microorganisms, all theories of physics, all theories of biology, medicine, chemistry, etc., and all theories of electronics which allow you to read this on your computer. In this post we are discussing black holes, but the general question is: what do you think constitutes sufficient evidence to convince you of the truth of a scientific claim? Are you or others even convinced by evidence? Do you apply a philosophy to your life personally which allows you to be influenced by facts and possibly change your mind about a subject? Do all people do this? What subject have you ever changed your own mind about? Address these questions and try to support your opinion. https://youtu.be/TEWLY3mdk8E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYPgi1oUqXA