Questioning assumptions
Questioning assumptions is consciously examining beliefs taken for granted before building a conclusion or decision on them.
Definition
Assumptions act as the invisible foundations of thinking. They can speed up a decision, but they can also lead to errors if left unchecked. Questioning assumptions involves asking what I believe to be true, how I know it, and whether there are other possible interpretations.
Key ideas
- Revealing the foundations of thinking
- Data checking
- Alternative interpretations
Practice and life
Before making a decision, list three assumptions on which you base it. For each one, write down evidence, counter-evidence and a quick way to check it.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to treat questioning as a lack of self-confidence. It's a quality thinking tool, not an attack on the person.
> Sometimes the problem isn't the answer, but the assumption that started the question.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What do I assume without proof?
- How can I check this?
- What changes if this assumption is wrong?