Difference between hypothesis and theory.

No science can exist without hypotheses and theories. But the difference between these concepts is not obvious to everyone. And someone generally considers the terms interchangeable. Let's try to clarify this subject of discussion and find out how the hypothesis differs from the theory.

Definition

Conjecture is a statement whose reliability is required to be proved. It is put forward as an attempt to explain a phenomenon. In this case, it is assumed that the probability of the truthfulness of such a judgment is quite high.

Theory is a system of interrelated provisions, which is developed to substantiate existing phenomena and facts. Theory is created using the scientific method. An example of such a system is the theory of relativity in physics.

Comparison

In each case, a certain subject area is affected. But the difference between a hypothesis and a theory is that the first is, in its essence, just a guess, and the second is as reliable as possible, since it relies on science. However, the hypothesis also looks quite plausible, because it refers to some observations and known patterns. However, all aspects of this inference require careful experimental verification.

If the statement is absolutely proven, it becomes an immutable truth. Sometimes a hypothesis that has undergone deep research is the beginning of the development of a theory. In some cases, a hypothetical judgment is refuted and passed into the category of false statements. This happens when another, previously proven, statement is opposed to it or a counterexample is indicated.

It should be noted that several hypotheses on the same topic can exist simultaneously. In this case, each of them is considered and checked and the only correct one is revealed or all the statements put forward are refuted.

Theory is something voluminous and expanded. In it, individual concepts become significant elements of the whole system. The theory is built based on the laws of logic. Some judgments in it follow from others. Theory is fundamental to science. Nevertheless, sometimes the well-established notions are questioned. But it is almost impossible to refute the theory, unlike a simple hypothesis.

Those who do not fully understand the difference between hypothesis and theory can sometimes misuse these concepts. For example, statements about the origin of the universe can be called theories. However, in reality, these are only hypotheses, since none of these assumptions is 100% confirmed.

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