7. INDUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS DISTINGUISHED.
Induction is a matter of realizing generalizations from the observation of facts. The product of such is an induction, but we know that an hypothesis is likewise a generalization based upon facts. What is the difference? An induction, as such, is a broader term than hypothesis. As soon as the hypothesis is proved or disproved, it ceases to be an hypothesis, but still remains an induction. An hypothesis, being advanced for purposes of explanation ceases to be an hypothesis when, in the last analysis, it fails to explain. Moreover, as soon as the hypothesis is shown to be an undoubted truth, it also loses its distinctive hypothetic marks. An hypothesis is merely a tentative induction.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
(1) The hypothesis is advanced that the fire started from the coal range in the kitchen. After the incendiary is caught, this supposition ceases to be an hypothesis.
(2) It is suspected, that my insomnia is due to the three cups of strong coffee indulged in at the evening meal. As soon as this supposition is proved by experimental means (law of difference), it ceases to be an hypothesis and becomes an unpopular inductive truth.