"So you're saying two things then.
No, that's one statement.
"First, you apparenty acknowledge that it is sometimes possible to prove a negative -- which I already knew, having once taken an abstract linear algebra class, the upshot of which being that a certain mathematical construct did not exist.
Proofs are only good in math.
"Second, if "proofs are only good in math," then your response about "can't prove a negative" is quite pointless."
The subject regarded elements of reality, not math. No one can prove any particular conjured up thing does not exist, anymore than they can prove something does exist.
"And third ... if you are going to differentiate between reality and things like math and logic, you have clearly not been paying attention to the world around you."
Ridiculous!
Yes -- but to say that "proofs are only good in math," is to say many other things as well.
Proofs are only good in math.
Ah, yes. I take it you're claiming that (say) logic and math are equivalent disciplines, then? Put another way -- what do you mean by "math," in your statement? Is arithmetic equivalent to algebraic topology in that conception? Or are you perhaps suggesting that precision would offer no useful distinctions?
The subject regarded elements of reality, not math.
And are you really saying that there is no such thing as "physical proof?" For example, it is not "proof" of my claim that a pebble is under a certain cup, to lift up the cup to show the pebble's presence? Of course it is proof.
And are you really saying that math has no connection with reality? Are you really making such a claim?
No one can prove any particular conjured up thing does not exist, anymore than they can prove something does exist.
And thus, the pebble under the cup, even if I see and touch it, has not been "proved" to exist under the cup?
Suppose I state a negative proposition, "there is no pebble under the cup." I can prove that negative proposition, in a "real" situation, by simply lifting the cup to see if there is in fact no pebble there. (And the proposition is obviously falsifiable by the same means.)
Ridiculous!
Hey -- if your comments can't stand up to logical scrutiny, it's a bit of sour grapes to blame the logic, rather than your comment.