a basic presupposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic presupposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing foundational assumptions or beliefs that are taken for granted in a particular context or argument. Example: "In any discussion about ethics, a basic presupposition is that individuals have the capacity for moral reasoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(Note, the 'self/non-self model' is not a model in the usual sense, but rather serves as a guiding paradigm or a basic presupposition of the science that begins with this differentiation of identity. For a topology and analysis of different kinds of immunity models developed and used in the more common sense see Baetu 2014).

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Further, the natural scientific approach depended on a basic presupposition since without first examining the object of social science — social reality, in Schutz's terms — one would be simply presupposing that the methods of the natural sciences were appropriate to its study.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lipps does not argue against the inference from analogy because of its evidentially slim basis, but because it does not allow us to understand its basic presupposition that another person has a mind that is psychologically similar to our own mind.

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This section makes clear that a capability theory of justice is theoretically much more demanding than the basic presupposition of the capability approach that 'functionings' and 'capabilities' are the best metric for most kinds of interpersonal evaluations.

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Orthodox approaches to contract thus insist that this program abandons the most basic presupposition from which the study of contract law as the law of agreements ordinarily departs.

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If this were really so, the most effective way of attacking the method would be to show that its basic presupposition was nonsensical.

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This reflects the fact that the empirical presuppositions of population-genetic models are really quite slim; the basic presupposition is simply the existence of hereditary particles which obey the Mendelian rules of transmission, and which somehow affect the phenotype.

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The pedagogical role is making us self-conscious, aware of our basic presuppositions.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

According to the basic presuppositions of Buddhist ontology, "words" consist in singular sound emissions uttered at a specific place and time, and the "objects" that are interacted with as a consequence of language use are momentary and unique particulars.

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Given Thomasius's basic presuppositions of where knowledge is likely to be found (in daily life rather than abstract speculation) and who is most likely to attain it (the person who has a healthy reason, not one corrupted by prejudices), it is likely not surprising that his epistemology was not a theoretical one.

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Starting with An Inquiry Into the Good, Nishida's early work calls into question two basic presuppositions of most modern epistemology: the assumptions that experience is individual and subjective, and that it leads to knowledge only via a corrective process with input from the mind or other individuals.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic presupposition", ensure it is explicitly stated or clearly implied to avoid ambiguity. Define it early in your writing to establish a solid foundation for your argument.

Common error

Avoid building an entire argument on "a basic presupposition" that is not universally accepted or understood. Always acknowledge the assumption and provide justification for its validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic presupposition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a fundamental assumption or belief that underlies a particular argument, theory, or system. As Ludwig points out, it serves as a guiding paradigm in various fields.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic presupposition" is a noun phrase used to describe a fundamental assumption or belief underlying an argument or theory. Ludwig AI identifies its usage as grammatically correct, though relatively rare. It's most commonly found in formal and scientific contexts, setting the stage for reasoned analysis. Remember to clearly state or imply the "basic presupposition" and justify its validity to avoid ambiguity or unacknowledged assumptions. Consider alternatives such as "fundamental assumption" or "underlying principle" to vary your phrasing. Ludwig can help you contextualize this phrase in countless ways.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental assumption

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the assumption.

a core belief

Highlights the role of the presupposition as a deeply held conviction.

an underlying principle

Focuses on the presupposition as a guiding tenet.

a primary axiom

Positions the presupposition as a self-evident truth.

a foundational premise

Stresses that the presupposition provides a base for reasoning.

a starting point

Indicates the presupposition initiates a line of thought or inquiry.

a central tenet

Highlights its importance as a key element of a belief system.

a root assumption

Suggests a deep-seated and fundamental belief.

a bedrock principle

Implies an unwavering and essential foundation.

a given

Short form which frames the presupposition as something accepted without proof.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic presupposition" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic presupposition" to introduce a fundamental assumption upon which an argument or theory rests. For example: "A basic presupposition of economic models is that individuals act rationally."

What are some alternatives to "a basic presupposition"?

Alternatives include "fundamental assumption", "underlying principle", or "core belief", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "basic assumption" or "a basic presupposition"?

"Basic assumption" is more common and generally suitable for most contexts. "A basic presupposition" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the assumption's role as a pre-existing condition or belief.

What's the difference between "a basic presupposition" and "hypothesis"?

"A basic presupposition" is a foundational assumption taken as a given, while a "hypothesis" is a testable proposition that requires evidence to support or refute it.