Postulate vs. Assumption — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 29, 2024
A postulate is a foundational principle assumed true without proof in a specific field, while an assumption is a general belief accepted without evidence.
Difference Between Postulate and Assumption
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A postulate serves as a starting point for a logical framework, especially in mathematics and logic, where it's considered a fundamental element that doesn't require proof but upon which theories are built. On the other hand, an assumption is a broader concept used in various contexts, implying a belief or statement taken to be true without concrete evidence. Assumptions can be questioned and tested, whereas postulates are generally accepted as the foundation for further exploration and understanding.
In the realm of mathematics, postulates are established to define the basis of a mathematical system, like Euclid's postulates in geometry, which lay the groundwork for geometrical theorems and proofs. While assumptions, although they can be foundational, are often used to simplify complex situations or to fill gaps in knowledge temporarily until more information can be obtained. This highlights the more specific and unchallengeable nature of postulates in their respective domains, as opposed to the provisional and sometimes speculative character of assumptions.
Postulates are typically more formal and specific, used in disciplines where a solid foundation is critical for developing a coherent and logical structure. In contrast, assumptions are made in both formal and informal contexts, from scientific research to everyday reasoning, indicating a more versatile but potentially less stable foundation. Assumptions may vary greatly in their level of certainty and are often subjected to scrutiny and revision.
While postulates are essential for the development of theoretical frameworks and systems, assumptions play a crucial role in hypothesis testing and theory development in the sciences. Assumptions are the propositions that guide research directions and experimental designs, which, unlike postulates, are meant to be empirically tested and either validated or refuted. This illustrates the practical application of assumptions in advancing knowledge and understanding, in contrast to the more static role of postulates in providing an unchanging basis for theoretical constructs.
The acceptance of a postulate often requires a consensus within a specific domain, such as mathematicians agreeing on the basic postulates of geometry. Assumptions, however, can be individually or collectively held beliefs that do not necessarily require such consensus, reflecting the subjective and context-dependent nature of assumptions. This distinction underscores the collective and foundational role of postulates in building systems of thought, as opposed to the more individual and provisional nature of assumptions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A foundational principle or statement accepted as true within a specific field without proof.
A belief or statement accepted as true without proof, used more broadly across various contexts.
Scope
Specific to fields like mathematics and logic, serving as an unprovable starting point for a logical framework.
Broad and versatile, used in a wide range of contexts from daily life to scientific research.
Formality
Formal and specific, with a defined role in the development of theories and systems.
Can be both formal and informal, varying in specificity and application.
Proof Requirement
Does not require proof and is accepted as a basis for further reasoning.
Generally not proven, but can be subject to scrutiny and testing.
Purpose
To establish foundational elements of a theoretical framework or system.
To simplify, guide, or fill gaps in reasoning and knowledge, often with the intent of testing or validation.
Compare with Definitions
Postulate
Axioms in mathematics.
Euclid's postulate that through any two points, there is exactly one straight line.
Assumption
Theoretical simplifications.
The assumption in economics of rational behavior.
Postulate
Basis in logic.
The postulate that for any proposition, it is either true or its negation is true.
Assumption
Expected outcomes.
The assumption that the sun will rise tomorrow.
Postulate
Foundations in geometry.
The postulate that a straight line segment can be drawn joining any two points.
Assumption
Basis for argument.
The assumption that all men are created equal.
Postulate
Starting points in theoretical frameworks.
The postulate in quantum mechanics about the quantization of physical properties.
Assumption
Preconditions in experiments.
The assumption that temperature remains constant.
Postulate
Principles in physics.
The postulate that matter cannot be created or destroyed.
Assumption
General beliefs.
The assumption that hard work always pays off.
Postulate
Suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief
She postulated that the environmentalists might have a case
His theory postulated a rotatory movement for hurricanes
Assumption
A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof
They made certain assumptions about the market
We're working on the assumption that the time of death was after midnight
Postulate
(in ecclesiastical law) nominate or elect (someone) to an ecclesiastical office subject to the sanction of a higher authority
The chapter was then allowed to postulate the bishop of Bath
Assumption
The action of taking on power or responsibility
The assumption of an active role in regional settlements
Postulate
A thing suggested or assumed as true as the basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief
Perhaps the postulate of Babylonian influence on Greek astronomy is incorrect
Assumption
The reception of the Virgin Mary bodily into heaven. This was formally declared a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1950.
Postulate
To assume or assert the truth, reality, or necessity of, especially as a basis of an argument
"We can see individuals, but we can't see providence.
We have to postulate it" (Aldous Huxley).
Assumption
Arrogance or presumption.
Postulate
To propose as a hypothesis or explanation
Researchers now postulate that the disease is caused by a virus.
Assumption
The act of taking to or upon oneself
Assumption of an obligation.
Postulate
To assume as a premise or axiom; take for granted.
Assumption
The act of taking possession or asserting a claim
Assumption of command.
Postulate
(Archaic) To make claim for; demand.
Assumption
The act of taking for granted
Assumption of a false theory.
Postulate
Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument
"the postulate that there is little moral difference between the superpowers" (Henry A. Kissinger).
Assumption
Something taken for granted or accepted as true without proof; a supposition
A valid assumption.
Postulate
A fundamental element; a basic principle.
Assumption
(Archaic) Presumption; arrogance.
Postulate
(Mathematics) An axiom.
Assumption
(Logic) A minor premise.
Postulate
(Archaic) A requirement; a prerequisite.
Assumption
Assumption(Christianity)The taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven in body and soul after her death, observed as a feast on August 15.
Postulate
Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument. Sometimes distinguished from axioms as being relevant to a particular science or context, rather than universally true, and following from other axioms rather than being an absolute assumption.
Assumption
The act of assuming, or taking to or upon oneself; the act of taking up or adopting.
His assumption of secretarial duties was timely.
Postulate
A fundamental element; a basic principle.
Assumption
The act of taking for granted, or supposing a thing without proof; a supposition; an unwarrantable claim.
Their assumption of his guilt disqualified them from jury duty.
Postulate
(logic) An axiom.
Assumption
The thing supposed; a postulate, or proposition assumed; a supposition.
Postulate
A requirement; a prerequisite.
Assumption
(logic) The minor or second proposition in a categorical syllogism.
Postulate
Postulated.
Assumption
The taking of a person up into heaven.
Postulate
To assume as a truthful or accurate premise or axiom, especially as a basis of an argument.
Assumption
A festival in honor of the ascent of the Virgin Mary into heaven, celebrated on 15 August.
Postulate
To appoint or request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office.
Assumption
(rhetoric) Assumptio.
Postulate
To request, demand or claim for oneself.
Assumption
The act of assuming, or taking to or upon one's self; the act of taking up or adopting.
The assumption of authority.
Postulate
Something demanded or asserted; especially, a position or supposition assumed without proof, or one which is considered as self-evident; a truth to which assent may be demanded or challenged, without argument or evidence.
Assumption
The act of taking for granted, or supposing a thing without proof; supposition; unwarrantable claim.
This gives no sanction to the unwarrantable assumption that the soul sleeps from the period of death to the resurrection of the body.
That calm assumption of the virtues.
Postulate
The enunciation of a self-evident problem, in distinction from an axiom, which is the enunciation of a self-evident theorem.
The distinction between a postulate and an axiom lies in this, - that the latter is admitted to be self-evident, while the former may be agreed upon between two reasoners, and admitted by both, but not as proposition which it would be impossible to deny.
Assumption
The thing supposed; a postulate, or proposition assumed; a supposition.
Hold! says the Stoic; your assumption's wrong.
Postulate
Postulated.
Assumption
The minor or second proposition in a categorical syllogism.
Postulate
To beg, or assume without proof; as, to postulate conclusions.
Assumption
The taking of a person up into heaven.
Postulate
To take without express consent; to assume.
The Byzantine emperors appear to have . . . postulated a sort of paramount supremacy over this nation.
Assumption
A statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn;
On the assumption that he has been injured we can infer that he will not to play
Postulate
To invite earnestly; to solicit.
Assumption
A hypothesis that is taken for granted;
Any society is built upon certain assumptions
Postulate
(logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to provide a basis for logical reasoning
Assumption
The act of taking possession of or power over something;
His assumption of office coincided with the trouble in Cuba
The Nazi assumption of power in 1934
He acquired all the company's assets for ten million dollars and the assumption of the company's debts
Postulate
Maintain or assert;
He contended that Communism had no future
Assumption
Celebration in the Roman Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary's being taken up into heaven when her earthly life ended; corresponds to the Dormition in the Eastern Orthodox church
Postulate
Take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom;
He posited three basic laws of nature
Assumption
Audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to;
He despised them for their presumptuousness
Postulate
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Assumption
(Christianity) the taking up of the body and soul of the Virgin Mary when her earthly life had ended
Assumption
The act of assuming or taking for granted;
Your assumption that I would agree was unwarranted
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to make an assumption?
Making an assumption involves accepting a statement or belief as true without requiring proof, often used to simplify, predict, or guide reasoning.
Can assumptions lead to biases?
Yes, if assumptions are not critically examined or are based on incomplete information, they can introduce biases into reasoning and analysis.
Is it possible to have a theory without postulates?
In many theoretical frameworks, especially in mathematics and logic, postulates serve as the necessary foundations, making it difficult to develop a coherent theory without them.
How can one differentiate between a valid and an invalid assumption?
Validity can often be determined through empirical testing, logical consistency with established facts, and peer review in the scientific community.
How can assumptions be tested?
Assumptions can be tested through empirical research, experimentation, and logical analysis to evaluate their consistency with observed facts.
How do postulates differ from axioms?
Postulates and axioms are similar in that both are accepted without proof within their respective domains, but postulates are more often associated with specific fields like geometry, while axioms are general principles accepted as true.
Can postulates be proven?
Postulates are accepted without proof and are not meant to be proven; they form the basis upon which theories and systems are built.
Are assumptions always incorrect?
Not necessarily; assumptions are accepted without proof but can be empirically tested and may be confirmed or refuted.
How do assumptions affect decision-making?
Assumptions can significantly influence decision-making by determining the framework within which decisions are made, potentially leading to oversights if not critically assessed.
What is a postulate?
A postulate is a foundational principle in a specific field, assumed to be true without proof to serve as a starting point for a logical structure.
Why are assumptions important in research?
Assumptions are crucial for framing research questions, simplifying complex systems, and guiding the experimental design and hypothesis testing.
Can the validity of a postulate be questioned?
While postulates are foundational and accepted without proof, the implications and theories built upon them can be questioned and tested.
Are all postulates universally accepted?
While postulates within a specific field are generally accepted by consensus, disputes and revisions can occur as the field evolves.
What role do assumptions play in modeling?
Assumptions are essential in modeling to define boundaries, simplify reality, and make predictions feasible, though they must be carefully considered to maintain model relevance.
Why are postulates not subject to empirical testing?
Postulates are accepted as foundational truths within their specific domains and serve as the basis for developing further theories rather than empirical propositions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
