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The verification theory (of meaning) is a philosophical theory proposed by the logical positivists of the Vienna Circle. A simplified form of the theory states that a proposition's meaning is determined by the method through which it is empirically verified. In other words, if something cannot be empirically verified, it is meaningless. For example, the statement "It is raining" is meaningless unless there is a way whereby one could, in principle, verify whether or not it is in fact raining. The theory has radical consequences for traditional philosophy as it, if correct, would render much of past philosophical work meaningless, for example metaphysics and ethics. It is important to note that the theory is meant to be applied only to synthetic claims (i.e. claims about the world), rather than analytical ones. The statement of the theory itself was taken by Ayer to be an analytic claim.

See also

Fields of study and principles:

• Epistemology The philosophical study of knowledge and belief
• Falsifiability The possibility that an assertion may be disproved
• Logical Positivism A philosophical school espousing verificationism
• Philosophy of science
• Verification principle That meaningful statements should be analytic, verifiable or falsifiable

Schools and individuals:

• A.J. Ayer (1910-1986) A British logical positivist
• Moritz Schlick (1882-1936) The German founding father of logical positivism
• Vienna Circle The group around Moritz Schlick at Vienna University from 1922

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