The hypotheses which we accept ought to explain phenomena…
“The hypotheses which we accept ought to explain phenomena which we have observed. But they ought to do more than this; our hypotheses ought to foretell phenomena which have not yet been observed; ... because if the rule prevails, it includes all cases; and will determine them all, if we can only calculate its real consequences. Hence it will predict the results of new combinations, as well as explain the appearances which have occurred in old ones. And that it does this with certainty and correctness, is one mode in which the hypothesis is to be verified as right and useful.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A good hypothesis must both explain known data and reliably predict new, unobserved phenomena.
In simple terms: Hypotheses should explain and predict.
Key Takeaway
Test predictions to validate theories.
Themes
science
methodology
prediction
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
epistemic
practical
When to use this quote
- research design
- experimental planning
- model building
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
induction
verification
theory formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we assess a hypothesis’s predictive power?
- What limits the certainty of scientific predictions?
A Different Perspective
Predictions may fail due to unknown variables or incomplete data.