Hipotezoj

Hipotezoj, the Esperanto plural form of "hipotezo" meaning hypothesis, refer to tentative explanations or predictions put forward for investigation and testing within scientific, philosophical, or general deductive reasoning. Derived from the Latin hypothesīmus (from Greek ὑπόθεσις, hypothesis), the word is used in Esperanto to denote arguments that are not yet verified but are assumed to be true for the sake of inference or inquiry.

In the scientific method, a hipotezo is formulated based on observations and prior knowledge, then subjected to empirical testing. Successful verification leads to a theory; failure requires revision or rejection. In logic and mathematics, hipotezoj form premises in arguments whose validity depends on the truth of the hypotheses. Philosophically, hypothesis status may vary: some regard them as provisional positions, others as conjectures awaiting proof.

The Esperanto language adopts the term in parallel with its usage in other languages, and it is popular among Esperanto speakers to discuss scientific concepts, especially in educational and book titles. Example titles include "La Fundamento de la Esperanto‑scienca Ĝenio: Hipotezoj kaj Teoroj" and "Hipotezoj pri la Universo," where the term signals a focus on speculative yet testable ideas.

Grammarwise, the singular noun is hipotezo, with the plural ending -j yielding hipotezoj. A negative form drops the subjunctive-like prefix: nek hipotezoj. The adjective form is hipoteza, describing something containing or related to a hypothesis. Understood across the Esperanto community, hipotezoj facilitate diffuse scientific discussion and the collaborative refinement of ideas.