Assumption - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Assumption: An idea accepted as true or as certain to happen, often without proof or evidence, a foundation upon which much of our understanding, and misunderstanding, rests. Is it a shortcut to understanding, or a dangerous leap into the unknown?
The concept of Assumption, while not always explicitly termed as such, pervades historical texts and philosophical inquiries dating back to antiquity. In the realm of formal logic, the use of premises, or assumptions, to construct valid arguments can be traced back to Aristotle's work on syllogism in the 4th century BCE. Similarly, in jurisprudence, early legal codes often presumed certain behaviors or intentions, implicitly relying on societal moral principles or accepted norms. These early references suggest a critical role for Assumption in shaping systems of thought, law, and governance, but they also hint at the potential for inherent bias in decision making and the perpetuation of unfair practices. One may wonder whether there is some fairness heuristic that makes implicit Assumption so alluring.
As philosophical and scientific inquiry deepened during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, the role of Assumption came under increasing scrutiny. Thinkers like René Descartes emphasized the importance of questioning all Assumptions in pursuit of certain knowledge, while figures in the burgeoning field of statistics sought to quantify and manage the uncertainty inherent in making inferences based on incomplete data. The evolution of scientific methodology, with its emphasis on empirical evidence and falsifiability, led to a growing awareness of the potential pitfalls of unconscious bias and the need for critical thinking. This struggle has had a great and enduring impact on history; consider how we have changed our moral obligation to other humans over the millenia. Consider the veil of ignorance. Is it possible to fully shed our baggage when considering questions of ethics? The exploration of Assumptions also became central to ethical discussions such as those raised by the trolley problem variations. And yet one may question whether that thought experiment is a reflection of pure reason or just another consequence of our biased Assumptions about the world.
Today, the power and peril of Assumption continue to shape our world. From the algorithms of AI that make decisions based on datasets reflecting existing biases, to the social media platforms that amplify echo chambers of shared beliefs, Assumptions subtly mold our perceptions and behaviors. Recognizing the inherent limitations of our knowledge and fostering a spirit of intellectual humility become crucial in navigating an increasingly complex world. Where do we draw the line between a necessary simplification and a dangerous oversimplification, a cognitive bias, rooted in unexamined Assumption? Are we, as individuals and as a society, prepared to challenge the very foundations upon which our worldview is built, to explore the uncomfortable truths that may lie hidden beneath the surface of what we think we know? Or are we doomed to keep using bad Assumptions to generate bad answers to pressing questions about social responsibility?