If a person's entire belief and value systems were formed around one underlying, unconscious assumption...

Question

...could they ever discover that assumption on their own?

I am talking about an assumption such as one that is ingrained into one's head by their culture before they even know what the word 'assumption' means. It's like in many seemingly impossible problems; what you don't realize is that you're making a wrong assumption. If you don't realize you're making an assumption at all, how can you discover it?

I said, can you *become* aware of it?

Answer 1

"On their own" is very limiting. One needs to be exposed to the ideas of others to confront one's own. Confronting worldly circumstances that disagree with what one thinks is true merely teaches one that there are inconsistencies in worldly things. To encounter a challenge to one's ways of constructing data into coherent understandings, one has to encounter a different way of constructing data into coherent understandings. One also needs some motivation to dig into the matter and some faith in the workability of assumptions other than one's own. We need encounters with other thinkers to challenge our assumptions.
___I don't think we form our belief systems around ONE assumption, though. Perhaps the most fundamental one is that the world is a plurality of distinct things, which we can consider independently of each other, but this doesn't go very far toward entire belief and value SYSTEMS.
___The web of assumptions is very complicated and layered. Most assumptions are based on other assumptions, and at the bottom of the heap lie the assumptions that underpin even perceptual intelligibility. At that level, what assumptions are available with which to articulate the basics, that is, to put them into linguistic form?

Answer 2

That is a great question... Star!!

In the normal course, no.... the person would more likely die not knowing the key basic assumption which had laid the foundation for all the belief and value systems carried through the life.

However, a faith-shattering event or some such major external stimulus can make the person rethink the whole thing afresh and thus discover and question the underlying assumption.... the stimulus should be so powerful that the entire belief and value system of the person gets shattered leaving the foundation exposed to doubt and scrutiny. The power of the stimulus would depend as much on the nature of the event as on its timing and context in the person's life... this implies a certain fluidity so that it may not be possible to define the trigger until after it has happened, if at all!!

Answer 3

Unless one goes about daily life simply following a pre-programmed set of rules and never questions the why of it, it would be impossible to have such an assumption as an unknown entity. True belief and moral value systems are based on well honed ideals and thoughts of a greater good based on reasoned searching for spiritual answers to the basic questions of life. So, YES, a reasoning, thinking person would quickly determine the existence of that assumption.

Answer 4

I think they could. It would basically require systematically looking at each belief and asking yourself 'why do I believe that'. If there is a fundamental belief in common soon enough you'll start to see either specific reasons repeated or specific argument patterns repeated. (Probably best to have taken a logic class before attempting such a feat.) It would be tedious work, and very few people even think twice about going to the trouble but it could be done.

Answer 5

Absolutely. It takes a lot of introspection, and a willingness to honestly look at the foundations that their belief system is based upon, but it can be done. Every person has the ability to trancend the limitations that their genetics and upbringing place upon them and become something new. It's not easy and the path to enlightenment is long and hard, but knowldge is the key. Knowldge of yourself, knowldge of the world around you, and knowldge of what lies beyond the physical realm in the place of spirit and soul.

Answer 6

Breaking down personal or collective illusions is a life long journey, and sometimes it may take many lifetimes to breakthrough a single one, so have heart, we are all on our way.

And each one us is out here, especially to breakdown our own particular illusion, we just don't know as yet, for the day we do, we are liberated souls.

As they say, "Each one of us, has to work out our own enlightenment".

That is why, “To each his own”, is the best way to progress, and once you get enlightened, turn around and shine the light on the path, for others.

And that has been the way with humanity for generations, since eternity.

So, to do our bit towards the upliftment of the humanity, let’s get busy finding our own light, as it is the best way to serve the humanity.

Answer 7

If we humble ourselves, courageously seek truth and look inwardly with a blazing eye, we can eventually become aware of it, as long as we are patient, persistent, and forgiving of our own imperfections. We can begin our independent search for truth at any time in our life. I think this process is always on our own, for every layer uncovered we are the one who has to decide if we have the courage and tenacity to continue. We can seek help and support from others, but the decision to further discover/uncover always rests with us.

Answer 8

Of course they could. It is not uncommon for the subconscious to surface to the conscious. Exposure to things through reading, education and just talking to others can lead a person to the conclusion that had before eluded them. Remember the subconscious is accessible; it is not beyond our grasp.

Answer 9

It would be like trying to explain water to a fish.

He does not know that it exists till you take him out of it,

Love and blessings Don

Answer 10

Yes, they would have to have a yearning to learn something more than just that belief to test if it is valid or not