Axiom is a term that can take on a few different meanings, the most common being designating a premise considered true or unquestionable and universally valid truths, from which a theory or thesis is developed.
Axiom Meaning
Axiom is a premise, a principle, which supports a demonstration or a theory; however, the axiom itself cannot be demonstrated. It is a truth taken as obvious, which does not need demonstration, serving as a basis for deductions.
It is a philosophical and logical concept of great utility for all branches of science, constituting an initial hypothesis. According to rationalist theory, axioms arise from innate principles of consciousness. However, according to empiricist theory, axioms would arise from generalizations of empirical observation.
In another context, it is also possible to use one of the other meanings of the term axiom: when the subject deals with theoretical or experimental sciences, the term axiom can be used as a synonym for postulate or principle.
From the axiom, we proceed to the empirical demonstration of the theory. Axiom and postulate are terms with similar meanings and are often used interchangeably.
A set of axioms that form the basis for a theory is called an axiomatic system. In the exact sciences, the so-called axiomatic systems are widely used, although there are axiomatic systems in several areas of knowledge.
It is not just in the area of exact sciences that axioms are fundamental. In the human sciences there is also the use of axioms, especially in the area of communication. These are the so-called axioms of communication, whose meanings refer to the behavioral effects of human communication.
In addition to the communication axioms, there is also the legal axiom known as the adage. Other possible meanings for axiom: proverb, proposition, formula that is presumed correct even if not demonstrated.
