**Observation:** An observed empirical fact, indisputable for reasonable people. **Hypothesis:** A conjecture that is generalized from observations (induction), or deducted from other hypotheses (deduction). Collectively, hypotheses constitute our model (or theory) of the world. A hypothesis, often together with other hypotheses, can produce predictions. We use the broadest sense of this word, not limited to untested theories of how something works. It encompasses assumption, theory, putative knowledge, and the narrow sense of hypothesis. **Prediction:** A yet-to-be-made observation or (observational categorical per Quine). It's usually based on one or more hypotheses. The relationships between these categories of thoughts are fixed. In another sentence, there is an algebra in these elements of thoughts. This theory (or "hypothesis" as defined in itself) has [a philosophical basis](https://www.themind.net/hypotheses/M1qolEkbTje29ze62yEfQg): our knowledge of the world consists solely of prediction models. and [a neuroscience one](https://www.themind.net/hypotheses/M4p8C9lOTRu8ipf5zGtEJA) (and [independently](https://www.themind.net/hypotheses/n3Tx6wlrSWOjsXHSYggrFQ).) Out brain's intelligence is solely neurons trained to that predicts inputs working collectively.

A system can be created to let users record their inquiry thoughts/ideas as observations, hypotheses, and predictions (OH&P). Thanks to the intrinsic structure, the system can digitalize these thoughts/ideas with auto connections and visualization, thus providing an automatic way to organize these thoughts/ideas. We can call this digitalized mind. The digitalized mind makes thoughts/ideas easier to consume, assess and generate new insights.

[The net view](https://www.themind.net/mapItems/Hypothesis/348E44hASHa7AvgODCLkyg/net/?netViewMode=FormalGraph)

A system that lets users record their inquiry thoughts/ideas as observations, hypotheses, and predictions (OH&P) can provide a new mode of communication and collaboration between users - they can structurally connect their atomic OH&P directly to other users' OH&P. ([This is challenging](https://www.themind.net/observations/4fcVuFGoTEa43ez-xhSAsg) when thoughts/ideas are organized in the usual narrative structure, such as books, lectures, and talks). Such a system that connects atomic ideas and thoughts between users might achieve a **digitalized collective mind**. Digitalized mind means all ideas/thoughts are digitalized, collective meaning that these ideas/thoughts are contributed by multiple users and digitally connected to each other.

Collective digitalized mind, i.e. digitalized and connected thoughts/ideas from multiple users by itself, may not automatically achieve collective intelligence (the intelligent capabilities of solving problems collectively). If all thoughts and ideas are given equal weight and importance in the collective mind, it may be too swamped with them and fail to be coherent or useful.