Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven
“Know thyself” –Socrates (d.399 B.C.)
It seems clear from human experience that everyone has a set of presuppositions that they adhere to. For example, each person has a basic understanding of what is right and what is wrong. We may differ from one another in this, but if we are “wronged” by our own standards then we cry out in indignation! Also, each person has a conscience that is activated when they respond in anger, get caught in a lie, or act in selfishness, so that an internal sense of grief, shame, and sorrow begins to arise. It also appears that each person has deeply-held religious beliefs that govern and shape their inner thoughts and their outward behavior. People may disagree about religion, but as human beings we are all inescapably religious. Moreover, each person has a set of social expectations that influence how we relate to one another. These are but a few examples, but consider how our presuppositions affect our attitudes, beliefs, morals, opinions, pleasures, politics, relationships, values, and our quest for significance.
Dr. Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984) addresses the matter of presuppositions in the following way,
“People have presuppositions, and they will live more consistently on the basis of these presuppositions than even they themselves may realize. By presuppositions we mean the basic way an individual looks at life, his basic world view, the grid through which he sees the world. Presuppositions rest upon that which a person considers to be the truth of what exists. People’s presuppositions lay a grid for all they bring forth into the external world. Their presuppositions also provide the basis for their values and therefore the basis for the decisions…most people catch their presuppositions from their family and surrounding society the way a child catches measles. But people with more understanding realize that their presuppositions should be chosen after a careful consideration of what world view is true. When all is done, when all the alternatives have been explored, ‘not many men are in the room’—that is, although world views have many variations, there are not many basic world views or basic presuppositions.”
— Francis Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live?, 20
The question of “how” our presuppositions are formed is a bit more complex to answer. Perhaps it is best to simply acknowledge that we are influenced by our relationships–our parents, siblings, extended relatives, community, country, and culture. It also must be admitted that we receive some of our presuppositions by our Maker (Rom. 1:19-20). In other words, we receive them from God who puts them in our heart and mind. Francis Schaeffer argues, last of all, that it appears thinking people “after careful consideration” can determine “what world view is true.” How ever we receive our presuppositions, it is essential that we recognize that we have them. With that thought in mind, the famous maxim of the great philosopher, Socrates, “Know thyself,” certainly rings true! And once we “know” ourselves, then we are more likely to be “humble” and “teachable” in searching out answers to the ultimate questions of life. In this way, we can become the best philosophers that we can possibly be (Gk. phileo+sophia = “a lover of wisdom”).
Source: Schaeffer, Francis A. How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture. 50th Anniversary Edition. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1976.
Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin
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