What does postulation mean?
Postulation means the act of putting forward a proposition, especially one that serves as a starting point for reasoning or as a premise in an argument. Its connotation is more demanding than that of a simple idea or suggestion: a postulation is commonly something that needs justification, even when it is offered as an assumption from which further conclusions follow. The word is especially associated with formal discussion in philosophy, logic, mathematics, and science, although it can be used more broadly for any bold or disputable proposition. For example, an argument may rest on the postulation that human behaviour is entirely rational. In ordinary conversation, “assumption” or “premise” may sound more natural, while “postulation” gives the statement a more abstract and technical character. The term is also sometimes used for the act of proposing such a proposition.
nounA proposition or assumption put forward for consideration, especially as a basis for reasoning or argument. The term often implies that the proposition requires justification or proof.
- A proposition or assumption put forward for consideration, especially as a premise in an argument.
- The act or process of putting such a proposition forward.
"The theory rests on a startling postulation that consciousness precedes language."
"The argument begins with the postulation that all people have equal rights."
"Her proposal required a bold postulation about the nature of human motivation."
Plural postulations refers to multiple propositions or assumptions put forward for consideration.
"The paper examines several postulations that challenge the prevailing model."
A postulation is a statement put at the foundation of an argument—often bold enough to be challenged, but foundational enough to support everything built upon it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does postulation come from?
Postulation comes from Latin postulatio, a noun derived from postulare, meaning “to demand,” “to ask for,” or “to put forward for consideration.” The word entered English in the early 17th century in the sense of an assumption or proposition. It is closely related to postulate, which preserves the corresponding verb sense, and to postulant, a related term for one who makes a formal request or presents a petition.
Related word forms
How postulation is actually used
Formal and somewhat academic. It is used mainly in philosophy, logic, mathematics, and theoretical discussion, where it denotes a proposition accepted as a starting point rather than an established conclusion.