ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G01-020 · ATLAS 259

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a provisional assumption whose adequacy remains to be assessed.

Part of the subject path Argumentation, Logic and Discourse

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

G · Foundational concept R2 · Necessary foundation

Hypothesis provides a foundation for distinguishing a provisional assumption from established knowledge. It connects plausible explanation with discriminating tests and alternatives. The entry supports abduction and induction while separating the origin of an idea from its justification.

Colours and admission grounds

The rectangular label identifies the entry function: F – linguistic figure or procedure; A – analytical concept; G – foundational concept; E – selected concrete case. The rounded badge indicates the admission ground: R1 – distinctive contribution; R2 – necessary foundation; R3 – justified illustrative case. This editorial rationale explains the current selection rather than claiming an undocumented original selection history.

Explanation

A hypothesis is a provisional assumption whose adequacy remains to be assessed. In explanation it proposes a possible account of an observation; elsewhere it may be a supposition adopted conditionally. Its origin and its justification are different matters. A plausible idea does not become established knowledge merely by making sense. In the explanatory context considered here, the movement opens a testable space of possibilities and asks what could discriminate between competing assumptions.

Movement of thought

1. Describe the observation needing explanation. 2. Formulate a possible assumption. 3. Consider a serious alternative. 4. Identify discriminating consequences and auxiliary assumptions. 5. Retain, qualify or reject the hypothesis after examination.

Scientific use case

Philosophy of science and research education can separately examine hypothesis formation, testability, auxiliary assumptions and evidence.

Example

A clock stops. “The battery is exhausted” is one hypothesis; a loose connection is another. Replacing the battery may still leave further checks necessary.

Counterexample

An unspecified invisible cause compatible with every possible observation offers no empirically discriminating explanation without further commitments.

Distinction

Distinguish observation, established proposition, prediction and a complete theory. Standards of testing depend on the field.

Effect on thought and perception

Uncertainty becomes a directed question without being prematurely converted into certainty.

Resonance

A possible connection answers the observation; further experience tests the answer's adequacy.

Provenance

Parallel source review reconciled 2026-10-07; human specialist review not claimed.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Hypothesis“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G01-020. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G01-020

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G01-020

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.