Indian Philosophy v2.c24.s5.86

v2.c24.s5.86

² " A legitimate hypothesis must satisfy the following conditions: (1) The hypothesis must explain the facts. (2) Must not be in conflict with any observed facts or established generalisations. (3) No unobserved agent must be assumed where it is possible to explain the facts satisfactorily by observed agencies. (4) When two rival hypotheses are in the field, a crucial fact or test is necessary; the absence of such a test is fatal to the establishment of either. (5) Of two rival hypotheses, the simpler, *i.e.* that which assumes less, is to be preferred, *caeteris paribus*. (6) Of two rival hypotheses, that which is immediate or relevant to the subject-matter is to be preferred to that which is alien or remote. (7) A hypothesis that satisfies the above conditions must be capable of verification before it can be established as a theory" (Seal: *The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus*, p. 288)