NLP → NLP Lexicon

Presuppositions / Assumptions

Definition

Presuppositions are implicit assumptions or prerequisites that underlie a statement or communication. They are often implicit, not directly stated, and form the background for understanding language. These assumptions are part of the individual or cultural worldview and influence how information is interpreted.

In NLP Presuppositions refer to fundamental assumptions about the world, communication, or behavior. They are considered given and shape how people construct reality and interact with others. They are therefore central to the interpretation of language and the development of NLP techniques.

Origins and Theoretical Background

The idea of presuppositions comes from linguistics and philosophy of language. Works by Noam Chomsky (generative grammar) as well as Austin composure Searle (speech act theory) have significantly shaped the concept. In NLP, presuppositions are used as 'self-evident' basic assumptions that structure techniques and models. They serve to understand the filtering mechanisms through which people experience their reality.

Application Examples

• Therapy: A typical NLP presupposition is: 'People are capable of making changes.' A therapist can implicitly weave this into communication to activate hope and resources.
• Coaching: When a client says 'I can never achieve my goals,' the coach might ask: 'What would need to happen for you to achieve your goals?' – a new presupposition is introduced that opens up options for action.
• Leadership development: A helpful presupposition is: 'Every employee has development potential.' This assumption fosters a supportive and solution-oriented attitude.

Areas of Application

• Therapy: Recognizing and addressing basic assumptions that shape perception and behavior.
• Coaching: Promoting new perspectives through constructive assumptions.
• Communication Training: Making implicit assumptions conscious to avoid misunderstandings.
• Leadership Training: Developing a resource-oriented attitude through positive presuppositions.

Methods and Exercises

1. Reframing: Introducing new presuppositions to reframe problems in a different context ('What resources do you need to achieve your goal?').
2. Meta-model of language: Asking questions to challenge hidden assumptions ('How do you know that exactly?').
3. Expanding perspectives: Using hypothetical questions to lead clients out of rigid assumptions ('What would need to be different for the situation to seem solvable?').

Synonyms

• Beliefs
• Cognitive schemas
• World models

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Scientifically: Presuppositions are central research objects in linguistics and psychology, as they explain how meaning is constructed in communication.
• Practically: They enable effective communication and problem-solving by being consciously used as basic assumptions in conversations to promote change.

Criticism or Limitations

• Unconscious adoption: Presuppositions can be limiting if they are not consciously questioned.
• Misunderstandings: Different assumptions between conversation partners can lead to conflicts or misinterpretations.

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The Structure of Magic I. Science and Behavior Books, Palo Alto.
• Dilts, R. (1998). NLP: The New Technology of Achievement. HarperCollins.
• Bateson, G. (1972). Steps to an Ecology of Mind. Ballantine Books.
• Searle, J. R. (1969). Speech Acts. Cambridge University Press.

Metaphor or Analogy

Presuppositions are like invisible threads, guiding communication and perception of the world. They are not directly seen, yet they hold the structure of the conversation together – and determine how someone interprets reality, much like threads move a puppet.

See also