Axioms
The word ‘Axiom’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Axioma’ meaning ‘true without needing a proof’.
In mathematics or logic, an axiom is an unprovable rule or first principle accepted as true because it is self-evident or particularly useful. “Nothing can both be and not be at the same time and in the same respect” is an example of an axiom.
A statement that is taken to be true, so that further reasoning can be done.
It is not something we want to prove.
Examples:
- One of Euclid’s axioms (over 2300 years ago!) is:
“If A and B are two numbers that are the same, and C and D are also the same, A+C is the same as B+D” - Things which are equal to the same thing are equal.
- Doubles and halves of equal are equal.
- A whole is always greater than its part or a part cannot be equal to the whole.
- In geometry, we have a similar statement that a line can extend to infinity.
This is an Axiom because you do not need a proof to state its truth as it is evident in itself.
In simpler words, these are truths that form the basis for all other derivations and have been derived from the basis of everyday experiences. In addition to this, there is no evidence opposing them.