[nitrogen]

Yet. As we gather evidence ever closer to the actual moment of the big bang (such as the possible recent discovery of a particular kind of polarization in the CMB), we might figure out ways to prove or disprove theories about what might have preceded the big bang.

As I understand the process, theoreticians will invent mathematical constructs that explain everything we have measured already, plus make predictions about something else we can test. If all of the testable predictions are verified, then we are somewhat safer in accepting any untestable predictions of the same model. Then, an expanded mathematical theory will be devised with new physical tests, etc. ad infinitum.