What is a Postulate in Logic?

In logic, a postulate or postulatum is a statement that is assumed to be true without proof. It is a fundamental principle or axiom that is used as a basis for reasoning and argumentation. Postulates are often used in formal systems, such as mathematics and logic, to establish the consistency of a theory or to prove the validity of a conclusion.

In the context of Aristotle's syllogistic, the postulata are the basic principles that underlie the syllogism, such as the law of non-contradiction and the law of excluded middle. These principles are assumed to be true without proof and serve as the foundation for the deduction of conclusions from premises.

In summary, a postulate or postulatum is a statement that is assumed to be true without proof and serves as a fundamental principle or axiom in a logical system.