The term “foundation” often becomes blurred because several different meanings are designated by it in conversation. To preserve precision, it is important to maintain a single focus: foundation as the basis of acceptance.
What Is a Foundation?
A foundation is what a system relies upon to maintain its stability and the admissibility of its own assertions.
In other words, foundation answers the question:
“Why is this accepted?”
Why the Concept of Foundation Becomes Blurred
Meaning is lost when the word “foundation” is used simultaneously to refer to:
- a cause;
- evidence;
- a mechanism;
- any kind of explanation without distinguishing levels.
As a result, it becomes unclear what exactly is fixed as the system’s support.
Working Definition
To avoid confusion, the following definition can be used:
A foundation is that which is not justified within the system itself, but serves as its point of support.
Such a foundation may be:
- an axiom;
- an authority;
- experience;
- an accepted worldview;
- an initial assumption.
Foundation in the Logic of Distinctions
In terms of distinctions, foundation can be understood as:
a supporting distinction that is not questioned within the system’s current boundaries.
It is through this distinction that the system:
- filters interpretations;
- maintains coherence;
- justifies its own decisions.
When the Word “Foundation” Loses Precision
The concept begins to lose its meaning when it is used to designate everything at once. The boundary between the system’s support and the other elements of explanation then disappears.
Conclusion
Foundation sustains the system as an admissible and coherent form.
