Hypothesis

Definition

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a starting point for further investigation. It is often used in logical reasoning and compound statements to form conditional statements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A hypothesis is usually formed as an 'if-then' statement.
2. It serves as the antecedent in a conditional statement.
3. In logic, it must be testable and falsifiable.
4. The truth value of a hypothesis can influence the truth value of the compound statement it is part of.
5. Understanding hypotheses is crucial for constructing valid arguments and proofs.

Review Questions

• What role does a hypothesis play in a conditional statement?
• Why must a hypothesis be testable and falsifiable in logical reasoning?
• How does the truth value of a hypothesis affect the overall compound statement?

Related terms

Antecedent:

The part of a conditional statement that follows 'if'.

Consequent:

The part of a conditional statement that follows 'then'.

Conditional Statement: A logical statement composed of an antecedent and consequent, typically structured as 'if-then'.