The Universal Plausibility Metric (UPM) & Principle (UPP)

Theor Biol Med Model. 2009 Dec 3:6:27. doi: 10.1186/1742-4682-6-27.

Abstract

Background: Mere possibility is not an adequate basis for asserting scientific plausibility. A precisely defined universal bound is needed beyond which the assertion of plausibility, particularly in life-origin models, can be considered operationally falsified. But can something so seemingly relative and subjective as plausibility ever be quantified? Amazingly, the answer is, "Yes." A method of objectively measuring the plausibility of any chance hypothesis (The Universal Plausibility Metric [UPM]) is presented. A numerical inequality is also provided whereby any chance hypothesis can be definitively falsified when its UPM metric of xi is < 1 (The Universal Plausibility Principle [UPP]). Both UPM and UPP pre-exist and are independent of any experimental design and data set.

Conclusion: No low-probability hypothetical plausibility assertion should survive peer-review without subjection to the UPP inequality standard of formal falsification (xi < 1).

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Codon
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Peer Review
  • Probability*
  • Research / standards*
  • Research Design*
  • Science
  • Solar System

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Codon