Implicit Assumptions and Dark Matter

Implicit Assumptions and Dark Matter

After studying logic for a while, I became very interested in “implicit assumptions.” Later, I realized they’re essentially related to the relationship between “phenomena” and “essence.” Then the question becomes: how do we see the essence through phenomena, and is it always possible to do so?

Let’s first talk about “implicit assumptions.” We often embed too many implicit assumptions in our expressions. These assumptions can stem from individual knowledge accumulation, cognitive level, or even a specific environment.

“Common sense” and “culture” in daily life are actually collections of easily overlooked implicit assumptions.

Here’s an example:

I grew up eating sweet tofu pudding (douhua). When I went to university in the north, I ordered tofu pudding for breakfast one day and was shocked when it arrived—it was savory, with gravy and cilantro.

In the north, tofu pudding is savory. My common sense, however, had always told me it was sweet. I was completely taken aback when I was about to eat it.

Nowadays, in many places, the servers will ask you whether you want it sweet or savory, or I will proactively ask for the sweet version.

This is caused by differences in common sense or culture.

These implicit assumptions are often difficult to identify, leading to deviations in our communication, reasoning, and decision-making.

So, how can we express or understand something comprehensively, accurately, thoroughly, and reliably?

“Understanding” is actually more important, because further communication is only possible after understanding. Often, others are not obligated to explain things thoroughly, or may even intentionally conceal key information.

A commonly used method here is “critical thinking,” or simply “asking questions,” expressing our doubts until we achieve clarity, even rephrasing things in our own words to confirm our understanding.

For example, when we develop products, we pay special attention to the explanation of terminology to ensure everyone has the same understanding. Or, during communication, when someone throws out a concept or question, we confirm unclear points, even restating what they said to ask if that’s what they meant, and so on.

Why did I connect “implicit assumptions” with “dark matter”? Mainly for the sake of analogy.

Dark matter is a theoretically proposed form of invisible matter in the universe. It may constitute the main component of matter in the universe, but it doesn’t belong to any known type of matter that makes up visible celestial bodies.

It is said that dark matter accounts for more than 80% of the universe. Similarly, many things behind the scenes of our lives may be driven by these “dark matter” elements, without us even knowing.

Many times, we should try our best to excavate, critically examine, analyze, and understand the implicit assumptions behind things. These implicit assumptions might be the true essence, while the visible aspects are merely superficial phenomena.