An idea axiom is a core idea expressed through value, virtue, principle, and action.
TST provides an official list of them in its TST Idea Axioms, and explorative idea axioms allow you to see ideas using various mind lenses. You start by choosing a core idea to explore. A core idea is any idea selected as the exploratory center of a mind lens, especially ideas directly related to values, virtues, and principles. You then configure the lens by deciding what value, virtue, principle, or action you want to focus on. You then configure the other three. Idea axioms are mind lenses that let you explore core ideas.
Now, let’s take a silly one, like the core idea of rock. A rock might inspire the value of structural integrity, the virtue of prudence, the principle of foundational integrity, and the action of auditing bedrock assumptions.
“In practice, before building something new, whether a house, a business, or a philosophical argument, examine the foundations. Make sure they’re strong enough to support what you’re building.”
The rock becomes a mind lens for exploring the importance of sound foundations.
Finally, the core idea doesn’t have to describe something materially real for a mind to explore its philosophical implications. Take dragons. Imagine a dragon guarding its treasure. We might configure its mind lens through the value of sovereignty, the virtue of vigilance, the principle of dominion, and the action of guardianship. This lens explores the relationship between autonomy, power, restraint, and protecting what matters. The dragon doesn’t have to exist in the material world for its fictional nature to inspire useful philosophical reflection.
