Try out the audio deep dive, and remember, this has not been edited for accuracy…YMMV
Assumption, Presumption, & Prediction
An interactive guide to understanding the crucial differences. In fields demanding rigorous analysis, precision in language is paramount. This guide dissects these often-conflated terms to foster clearer reasoning and more robust decision-making.
Core Concepts at a Glance
Explore the fundamental nature of each term side-by-side.
Assumption
A belief accepted as true **without proof**. It’s an unverified starting point for reasoning, often acting as a cognitive shortcut.
Presumption
A belief accepted as true **until disproven**. It’s often a legal rule or a logical inference based on apparent facts.
Prediction
A statement about a **future event or unknown data**. It’s an educated forecast based on evidence and models.
The Spectrum of Rigor
This chart visualizes the increasing demand for evidence and justification, from the intuitive nature of assumptions to the data-driven basis of predictions. Click on a bar to learn more.
Select a concept
Click on a bar in the chart above to display detailed information about its core nature, basis of belief, and practical implications.
Detailed Comparison
A comprehensive breakdown of each concept’s characteristics and standards.
| Feature | Assumption | Presumption | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Nature | Belief taken for granted without proof | Belief accepted as true, often by rule | Statement about future/unknown data |
| Evidential Standard | None required; intuitive/unconscious | Based on “apparent facts,” legal rules | Rigorous data, statistical significance |
| Challenging It | Direct inquiry, critical examination | Rebuttal with contrary evidence | Scientific testing, validation, falsification |
| Outcome of Challenge | Disproven, leads to re-evaluation | Overturned, shifts burden of proof | Confirmed, falsified, or refined |