Postulates

In philosophical, scientific, and mathematical contexts, 'postulates' refer to fundamental assertions or propositions that are accepted as true without proof, serving as a basis for further reasoning and argumentation. These foundational statements provide a starting point for developing theories, establishing hypotheses, or forming logical conclusions.

Postulates meaning with examples

• In Euclidean geometry, one of the key postulates is that through any two points, there is exactly one straight line. This statement is accepted as a foundational truth that underlies the entire system of Euclidean geometric principles.
• When developing a scientific theory, researchers often define several postulates that must be true for their theoretical framework to hold. These assumptions guide their experiments and interpretations of data, framing the inquiry within a specific context.
• In his seminal work, 'The Republic,' Plato outlines several philosophical postulates about the nature of justice and the ideal state. These foundational ideas serve as the groundwork for his arguments and the development of his philosophical thought.
• The theory of supply and demand in economics is built on several postulates about consumer behavior and market conditions. Understanding these postulates helps economists predict how changes in price can affect quantity supplied and demanded.