Final answer:
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence to be considered credible, especially when they challenge established knowledge or involve supernatural phenomena. The burden of proof lies with the claimant, who must not only provide evidence but also rule out alternative explanations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion about whether extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence seamlessly blends the borders between philosophy, science, and logic. Claims about everyday occurrences, such as watering plants, usually don't necessitate exceptional evidence due to their alignment with our established beliefs. However, when a claim contradicts widespread understanding or posits an occurrence, such as alien kidnapping, it faces intense scrutiny and demands a higher caliber of evidence to be seen as credible. For any claim, especially those involving the supernatural or events that violate the laws of nature, such as miracles or the existence of supreme beings, the burden of proof lies with the person making the claim. It's not enough for the claim to be irrefutable; there must be substantial evidence to validate it, and all alternative explanations must be thoroughly examined and excluded.
This rigorous standard is crucial because human perception and understanding have limitations, and our reasoning can be influenced by subjectivity and error. The scientific community adopts this stringent approach not to suppress novel ideas but to ensure that any new theories or explanations are backed up by solid evidence and reasoned argumentation. Hence, extraordinary claims can indeed lead to revolutionary advancements in human knowledge, but only when they are substantiated with commensurately extraordinary evidence.