central axiom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central axiom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental principle or assumption that serves as the foundation for a theory or argument. Example: "In this philosophical debate, the central axiom is that all knowledge is derived from experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Well, When Harry Met Sally has as its central axiom: 'Can men and women be friends?'" Morris continues.

The Guardian - Film

"The problem with those films is they don't have their central axiom, which is why they fail".

The Guardian - Film

In his long career, Galton didn't come close to proving the central axiom of eugenics: that, when it comes to talent and virtue, nature dominates nurture.

The New Yorker

And in his second inaugural speech, Bush grandly declared that "the survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands" — the central axiom of the Freedom Agenda.

The New York Times - Magazine

A central axiom of that tradition was the connecting of explanation with reductionism or the derivation of the complex from the simple.

SEP

It flew in the face of 200 years of French foreign policy, in which the central axiom "had been hostility to the House of Habsburg".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The axiom of choice in its full form is unacceptable from a constructive point of view, at least in the presence of certain other central axioms of set theory, such as extensionality (Diaconescu 1975).

SEP

The four central axioms of Zermelo's system are the Axioms of Infinity and Power Set, which together show the existence of uncountable sets, the Axiom of Choice, to which we will devote some space below, and the Axiom of Separation.

SEP

Section 3 introduces the notion of a large cardinal axiom and discusses some of the central examples.

SEP

Second, what is the significance of the empirical fact that large cardinal axioms play a central role in comparing many theories from conceptually distinct domains?

SEP

Its success owes much to the central financial axiom of gratis entertainment: If you don't charge, they will come and might even spend more than they would have otherwise.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "central axiom", ensure the statement is indeed a fundamental assumption upon which an argument or system is built. Avoid using it for minor or derivative points.

Common error

Avoid labeling a supporting argument as the "central axiom". This phrase should be reserved for the core, foundational belief upon which an entire system of thought rests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central axiom" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental, self-evident truth or assumption underlying a system of thought, argument, or theory. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly pinpoints a base assumption. Examples show its prevalent use in academic and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "central axiom" is a noun phrase used to denote a fundamental assumption or self-evident truth underlying a system of thought or argument. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts. It appears most frequently in scientific and academic writing, establishing a foundation for reasoning and theory-building. While alternatives like "core principle" or "fundamental assumption" exist, "central axiom" is best reserved for scenarios where precision and formality are paramount. Avoiding its use for secondary points is key to maintaining clarity and accuracy in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core principle

Replaces "axiom" with "principle", suggesting a guiding rule rather than a self-evident truth.

fundamental assumption

Substitutes "axiom" with "assumption", implying a belief taken for granted rather than a proven fact.

key tenet

Replaces "axiom" with "tenet", highlighting a doctrine or belief held as true.

basic postulate

Uses "postulate" instead of "axiom", suggesting a statement assumed to be true for reasoning.

underlying premise

Replaces "axiom" with "premise", focusing on a proposition that supports a conclusion.

foundational belief

Replaces "axiom" with "belief", emphasizing the subjective aspect of the principle.

primary basis

Shifts the focus to the groundwork upon which something is built.

essential concept

Highlights the idea's importance in understanding a subject.

central hypothesis

Replaces "axiom" with hypothesis, suggesting a proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth.

fundamental truth

Emphasizes the verity and factual nature of the statement.

FAQs

How is "central axiom" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "central axiom" refers to a fundamental assumption or principle that serves as the basis for a theory or argument. For instance, in economics, the "rational choice theory" often operates under the central axiom that individuals make decisions to maximize their utility.

What distinguishes a "central axiom" from a "general principle"?

A "central axiom" is a foundational, self-evident truth upon which a system of thought is built. A "general principle", while important, may be a broader guideline or rule that isn't necessarily the bedrock of a theory.

Can "central axiom" be replaced with simpler terms in everyday language?

Yes, in everyday language, you can use alternatives like "core belief" or "fundamental assumption". The choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "central axiom" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "central axiom" is more suited for formal or academic contexts. In informal settings, phrases like "main idea" or "key principle" may be more appropriate.