Literary notes about hypothesis (AI summary)
In literary discourse, the term "hypothesis" commonly functions as a tentative proposition or starting point for inquiry, used to frame and guide both scientific and philosophical investigations. It serves as a provisional statement that authors either seek to substantiate through evidence or critique for its inadequacies, as seen when hypotheses are put forward to explain historical phenomena or natural laws ([1], [2]). At times, it appears as a conceptual tool to debate free will, the existence of ethical absolutes, or even the nature of human perception ([3], [4]), while in other instances it underpins broader theoretical frameworks that direct further research and analysis ([5], [6]). This usage underscores its pivotal role in advancing thought by inviting closer scrutiny and debate through reasoned argument.
- But at the outset we are obliged to ask whether history gives any such indication of the presence of Buddhism in the West as this hypothesis requires.
— from St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon by J. B. Lightfoot - Even a small number of observations may suggest an explanation—a hypothesis or theory.
— from How We Think by John Dewey - Thus: either there is no such thing as will,—the hypothesis of science,—or the will is free .
— from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book III and IV by Nietzsche - But farther, what must become of all our particular perceptions upon this hypothesis?
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - Such a supposition is termed a hypothesis.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - The idea is accepted as a working hypothesis , as something to guide investigation and bring to light new facts, not as a final conclusion.
— from How We Think by John Dewey
