self-evident principles

[/ˌself ˈɛvɪdənt ˈprɪnsəpəlz/]
noun phrase
princípios auto-evidentes
1. Truths or foundational ideas that are so obvious or clear that they require no proof or explanation; axiomatic principles accepted without need for demonstration
The Declaration of Independence asserts that all men are created equal as one of its self-evident principles.
A Declaração de Independência afirma que todos os homens são criados iguais como um de seus princípios auto-evidentes.
2. Basic truths that are universally recognized and understood without requiring logical argument or empirical evidence
Mathematics operates from self-evident principles like the law of non-contradiction.
A matemática opera a partir de princípios auto-evidentes como a lei da não-contradição.
This phrase is deeply rooted in American political philosophy, particularly in the U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776), which states that certain truths are 'self-evident.' In Brazilian Portuguese culture, the concept appears frequently in legal and philosophical discourse, especially when discussing constitutional principles and fundamental rights. The term carries significant weight in discussions about universal human rights and democratic values in both American and Brazilian contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
axiomatic principlesfundamental truthsobvious principlesmanifest truthsbasic assumptions
Antonyms / Antônimos
obscure principlesdebatable principlescomplex propositionsarguable principles

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
princípios auto-evidentes
Standard formal usage in academic and philosophical contexts
São Paulo
princípios óbvios / princípios manifestos
May use simpler alternatives in informal speech
Rio de Janeiro
princípios auto-evidentes
Formal usage consistent with standard Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
princípios auto-evidentes / princípios manifestos
European Portuguese uses similar formal terminology with slight stylistic preferences

Related Words

axiomtautologytruismfoundational principlefirst principleevident truthself-explanatory

Related Idioms & Phrases

taken as a given
beyond question
clear as day
stands to reason
goes without saying
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