Under-determination of theory by evidence...

This is a great article that illustrates the philosophical principle of "under-determination of theory by evidence". It is a principle that states that evidence alone cannot decisively establish the validity of a theory. Which is why in science, scientists seek to falsify theories.

Here we can see the two competing theories of the origins of the symbol are both plausible and both have evidence to support it. The under-determination of theory by evidence contends that either one of the two theories may be true or neither theory may be true.

"No one knows for sure" as well as "anything is possible" are two maxims that aptly describe the principle.

The best one can do in this and any situation is to carefully weigh the evidence and throw one's support behind the theory that is most plausible given the evidence; all while being wary the principle of under-determination and acknowledging that the theory you support may very well be complete bunk (despite the evidence).

in reference to: Sankofa Mark at Old New York Burial Ground Is Questioned - NYTimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)