Hedging
Definition: Hedging is the use of qualifying language to manage uncertainty when a belief has not fully stabilized. In both formal belief theory and AI-generated answers, hedging functions to reduce exposure to unknowns by softening claims, signaling ambiguity, or acknowledging variability in evidence or outcomes.
What this is
- A linguistic expression of uncertainty management.
- A visible signal that confidence is conditional rather than absolute.
- An outcome of incomplete consensus, missing constraints, or unresolved tradeoffs.
What this is not
- Not an error or failure by the AI.
- Not unique to AI systems.
- Not a replacement for evidence or explanation.
Example signals
- High hedging: ‘may,’ ‘can,’ ‘often,’ ‘depends,’ ‘varies by context.’
- Low hedging: confident assertions paired with clearly stated boundaries, assumptions, and exceptions.
Last updated: 2026-02-04