compare-hypotheses
Purpose
Compare competing hypotheses against shared evidence, predictions, assumptions, and explanatory scope.
Input contract
yamlrequired: [hypotheses, evidence_records, comparison_criteria] optional: [priors, discriminating_predictions, model_constraints] constraints: [criteria and evidence must be applied symmetrically]
Procedure
- Normalize hypotheses to comparable claims and assumptions.
- Map each hypothesis to predictions and supporting or conflicting evidence.
- Compare explanatory coverage, residual anomalies, and required assumptions.
- Record relative support and evidence that would change the comparison.
Output contract
yamlproduces: [hypothesis_comparison, prediction_matrix, support_profile, discriminating_evidence] delta_fields: [findings, hypothesis_updates, uncertainties, decisions, open_questions]
Quality gates
- Shared evidence is not counted repeatedly.
- A criterion omitted for one hypothesis is omitted for all.
Failure and counterexamples
Do not choose the simplest-sounding hypothesis without comparing predictive adequacy and assumptions.
Provenance map
resolved: compare-hypotheses


