Rigorous Reasoning

Concept · Foundations

Literal Presumption

The default assumption that a text means what its words ordinarily mean unless there is specific evidence to the contrary.

Why it matters

The literal presumption prevents arbitrary reinterpretation by requiring that departures from plain meaning be justified.

Where this shows up

Units and lessons using this concept

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Related

Other concepts in Foundations

A, E, I, O PropositionsAccessibility RelationArgumentAtomic StatementAuthorial IntentBase RateBayes FactorBurden of Proof in InterpretationCalibrationCardinalityCartesian ProductCategorical Proposition