What does positing mean?
Positing means putting forward a proposition, assumption, or premise, usually so that it can be examined, discussed, or used as the foundation for further reasoning. In philosophical and scientific writing, the word often expresses the deliberate act of advancing a claim without implying that the claim has already been proven. For example, a theory might begin by positing that two observed phenomena share a common cause. The term has a formal, analytical tone and is more precise than simply saying that someone has an idea, since it emphasizes the proposal of a claim as a starting point. Positing is also used when a writer assumes the existence of something in order to explore its consequences. The word is consequently valuable in discussions of logic, argument, hypothesis, and theory, where the distinction between introducing a claim and establishing it is important.
verbPositing means putting forward a proposition, assumption, or premise for consideration or argument. It can also mean asserting the existence or validity of something as a starting point.
- Putting forward a proposition, assumption, or premise as a basis for discussion or reasoning.
- Asserting the existence or validity of something, especially as a starting point in an argument.
"The philosopher posits that human nature is fundamentally social."
"Researchers are positing a link between sleep and improved memory."
"The theory begins by positing that the two phenomena are related."
Positing puts an idea on the table; it does not, by itself, prove the idea true.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does positing come from?
Positing is the present participle of the English verb posit, a word that appeared in the early 17th century and was based on Latin positum, the past participle of ponere, meaning “to put” or “to place.” The Latin participle gave rise to English words including position and positive. The underlying idea is that a proposition is put forward or placed before others for consideration.
Related word forms
How positing is actually used
Positing is formal and especially common in academic, philosophical, scientific, and legal writing. It can suggest proposing an idea for examination rather than presenting it as conclusively established.