Maximum Cultural Development Glossary

An axiom is a statement that is taken to be true, to serve as a premise or starting point for further reasoning and arguments. It is an unprovable rule or first principle accepted as true because it is self-evident or particularly well-established.

The precise definition of an axiom varies across fields of study. In classic philosophy, an axiom is a statement that is so evident or well-established that it is accepted without controversy or question. In modern logic, an axiom is a premise or starting point for reasoning. In mathematics, an axiom is a statement that is taken for granted for the sake of developing a specific theory. Axioms are not self-evident truths in any field of study, but rather statements that are widely recognized to be true.

1) The power or supposed right to give commands enforce obedience take action or make final decisions.

A statement accepted or supposed as true without proof or demonstration; an unstated premise or belief. All human thought and experience is based on assumptions. Our thought must begin with something we take to be true in a particular context. We are typically unaware of what we assume and therefore rarely question our assumptions. Much of what is wrong with human thought can be found in the uncritical or unexamined assumptions that underlie it.

to assume is to take for granted or to presuppose. Critical thinkers can and do make their assumptions explicit assess them and correct them. Assumptions can vary from the mundane to the problematic: I heard a scratch at the door. I got up to let the cat in. I assumed that only the cat makes that noise and that he makes it only when he wants to be let in. Someone speaks gruffly to me. I feel guilty and hurt. I assume he is angry at me that he is only angry at me when I do something bad and that if he's angry at me he dislikes me. Notice that people often equate making assumptions with making false assumptions.

A reason or reasons offered for or against something the offering of such reasons. This term refers to a discussion in which there is disagreement and suggests the use of logic and the bringing forth of facts to support or refute a point. See argue.

There are two meanings of this word that need to be distinguished: 1) to argue in the sense of to fight or to emotionally disagree; and 2) to give reasons for or against a proposal or proposition. In emphasizing critical thinking we continually try to get our students to move from the first sense of the word to the second; that is we try to get them to see the importance of giving reasons (premises) to support their views (conclusions) without getting their egos involved in what they are saying.

To break up a whole into its parts to examine in detail so as to determine the nature of to look more deeply into an issue or situation. All learning presupposes some analysis of what we are learning if only by categorizing or labeling things in one way rather than another.

A sentence having two or more possible meanings. Sensitivity to ambiguity and vagueness in writing and speech is essential to good thinking. A continual effort to be clear and precise in language usage is fundamental to education.

African American

Individuals of African origin comprise roughly about 16% of the population in the United States (depending on where you get your data from). The term African American refers to individuals who are residents of the U.S.A., usually raised here, who are of African ancestry, whereas the term Black is more general and can refer to anyone of African ancestry, including recent immigrants.

The word "actually" is an adverb with several meanings and uses:

• As a statement of fact It can emphasize the truth or reality of a statement, or be used as another way of saying "really"125. For example, "I don't know what actually happened"1.
• To indicate surprise It can introduce information that is unexpected or contrary to what one might think13. For example, "You actually like modern jazz?"3.
• To politely correct It can be used to correct someone or introduce a change or contrast in what is being discussed34. For example, "Yes. Actually, they're Australian"3.
• As a discourse marker It can be used in speaking to introduce a new topic, add information, or provide more detail34.