[betty boop]

A presupposition merely takes something for granted. In mathematics and physics these are formalized as axioms and postulates.... But prejudice means to “pre-judge”. It means that a judgment has been made before the evidence is heard. This is what I aver science must not do and the reason “methodological naturalism” causes tunnel-vision. It is why I appeal for neutrality in all of science.

Obviously this distinction is critical. No way are "presupposition" and "prejudice" synonyms.... Thank you, Alamo-Girl, for making the distinctions between them explicit.

Certainly world views or cosmologies are at the very foundation of our thought. The point is to become aware of them and how they affect one's methods, reasoning, and conclusions. This requires a rigorous self-analysis -- which is NOT the same thing as "introspection."

Socrates urged, "Know thyself." In effect, this is to become capable of objectively recognizing the habits, forms, and tendencies of one's own thought processes. Anyhoot, if one can't get control over one's presuppositions, one is skewing one's analytical findings right from the get-go. JMHO FWIW

Thank you so much, Alamo-Girl, for your excellent post/essay!

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you oh so very much for your great insights and for your encouragements!

Socrates urged, "Know thyself." In effect, this is to become capable of objectively recognizing the habits, forms, and tendencies of one's own thought processes. Anyhoot, if one can't get control over one's presuppositions, one is skewing one's analytical findings right from the get-go.

So very true! And so very well said.

Lurkers might be interested in marron's insights as well as he posted on your Cartesian Split thread!