ABSTRACT
The hypothetico-deductive method is often described as the scientific method but the method of multiple hypotheses is what underlies the best scientific practice, as many others have also noted. In simplified form, the method of multiple hypotheses requires two conditions if a hypothesis about the nature of the world is to be accepted: (1) empirical evidence must support that hypothesis and (2) the evidence must not support alternative hypotheses nearly as well. The first condition is well recognized while the second is often underappreciated. One of the primary purposes of the volume is to raise awareness of the second condition. There is nothing magical about the method of multiple hypotheses. The method is just refined common sense and underlies all rigorous attempts to understand the world whether by scientists or nonscientists.
