Assumption Testing

Almost all of our beliefs include some error. Most of the time, such errors remain insignificant. But occasionally, acting upon inaccurate assumptions can cause trouble. Sometimes more for others you impact than for yourself.

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Those in a position of power tend to hold onto unchecked assumptions harmful to those they impact. It can be safer for the relatively vulnerable to tolerate such errant assumptions than risk threats when speaking up. 

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This service instills the discipline of critical thinking to test our comforting beliefs. 

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This process checks each other's assumptions using the tools of artificial intelligence. Open the AI tool of your choice and type in the phrase "critique the assumption that" and follow with the assumption you or others take for granted. Here are some impactful examples using Google's Gemini AI.

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Critique the assumption that...

• might makes right

• people choose their political values from rational choice reasoning

• empathizing with both sides of a debate is bothsidesism or false moral equivalency

• emotions bias our thinking (actually, desperate needs prioritize relief-seeking, conveyed in emotions)

• the adversarial judicial system rarely convicts an innocent person

• willpower should be enough to overcome my cravings

• ​authority comes exclusively from law

• ​conflicts are a zero-sum outcome in which only one side can win

• we must have law and order to keep our depraved natures in check

• mental health occurs primarily in one's mind and in one's chosen behaviors

• morality is relative, so individuals must decide what is right and wrong on their own

• it is good to challenge others' beliefs to keep them honest

Other assumptions to test yourself: "critique the assumption that ______"​​​

• we must focus on individual deviation from behavioral norms since these are enough to sustain wellness

• wellness can be achieved by relieving pain without trying to understand what prompted the pain​​​

• we must maintain law and order for a functioning society

• political platforms will provide satisfying results for my life

• people are generally stupid

• people are typically gullible and easily persuaded

• people are generally untrustworthy

• people would lie, cheat and steal if it wasn't for law enforcement

• law enforcement keep the public safe

• you can change someone's political stance with the right persuasive argument

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Testing your untested assumptions

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​Powerholders acting on such poor assumptions risk exacting value from the relatively less powerful. Which undermines the powerholder's legitimacy. 

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Disingenuous democracy 

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