Axiom

An axiom, or postulate, is a premise or starting point of reasoning. As classically conceived, an axiom is a premise so evident as to be accepted as true without controversy. Ludwig von Mises bases his theory of praxeology on the action axiom, for example. David Gordon writes, "The axiom of action from which Mises begins really is a self-evident truth about the world and adequately grounds his science of praxeology. But if the positivists are wrong about the Austrians, they do have a point. Useful self-evident axioms are few and far between; and, usually, to obtain scientific knowledge requires empirical investigation."