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

Missing key ideas.

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 misunderstanding

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.

Questions for self-reflection

No questions for self-reflection.

Sources

No sources.