What is a hypothesis? Definition and concept

This statement can be judged whether it is true or false. This assertion requires proof. It is the necessary link in the development of science.

In this publication, we will give a definition of the concept of "hypothesis," and also talk about some shocking hypotheses of the modern world.

Value

Hypothesis (from the Greek hypothesis, which means "foundation") is a preliminary assumption explaining a certain phenomenon or group of phenomena; Can be associated with the existence of an object or object, its properties, as well as the reasons for its occurrence.

The hypothesis itself is not true and not false. Only after receiving confirmation, this statement becomes a truth and ceases to exist.

In Ushakov's dictionary there is another definition of what a hypothesis is. This scientific unproved assumption, having a certain probability and explaining the phenomena that without this assumption are inexplicable.

Vladimir Dal in his dictionary also explains what a hypothesis is. The definition says that this is a guess, speculative (not based on experience, abstract) position. This interpretation is quite simple and concise.

The equally well-known dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron also explains what a hypothesis is. The definition given in it is related only to the system of natural sciences. According to them, this is the assumption we are expressing for the interpretation of phenomena. To such utterances a person comes when he can not establish the causes of the phenomenon.

Development stages

In the process of cognition, which consists in stating the assumption, 2 steps are singled out.

The first, which consists of several stages, is the development of the actual assumption. At the first stage of this stage, the situation is promoted. Most often this is a guess, even partially unfounded. At the second stage, with the help of this conjecture, the previously known facts and those that were discovered after the appearance of the hypothesis are explained.

To be a hypothesis, the assumption must meet certain requirements:

1. It should not contradict itself.

2. The extended position must be verifiable.

3. It can not contradict those facts that do not belong to the field of the hypothesis.

4. It must correspond to the principle of simplicity, that is, there should not be any facts in it that it does not explain.

5. It should contain new material and have additional content.

At the second stage, knowledge develops, which a person receives with the help of a hypothesis. Simply put, this is its proof or refutation.

New hypotheses

Speaking about determining what a hypothesis is, one should pay attention to some of them. The modern world has made great strides in the field of knowledge of the world and scientific discoveries. Many of the earlier hypotheses were refuted and replaced by new ones. Below are some of the most shocking hypotheses:

1. The universe is not an infinite space, but a material entity created by a single law. Scientists believe that the universe has an axis, around which it rotates.

2. We are all clones! According to Canadian scientists, we are all descendants of cloned creatures, artificially created hybrids, grown from one cell in a test tube.

3. Problems with health, with reproductive activities, as well as a decrease in sexual activity are associated with the emergence of synthetic substances in food.

Thus, the hypothesis is not a reliable knowledge. This is only a prerequisite for its appearance.