Evident vs. Self-Evident

Attribute	Evident	Self-Evident
Definition	Clearly seen or understood	Understood without needing further explanation
Subjectivity	May vary depending on perspective	Generally accepted as universally true
Proof	May require evidence or reasoning	Does not require external proof

Definition of Evident

Evident is a term used to describe something that is easily seen or understood. It refers to something that is clear, obvious, or apparent without the need for further explanation or proof. When something is evident, it is readily observable or understandable by anyone who takes the time to look or think about it. In essence, evident things are those that are self-explanatory and do not require additional evidence to support their existence or truth.

Characteristics of Evident

One of the key characteristics of evident things is their transparency. They are not hidden or obscure but rather out in the open for all to see. This transparency makes evident things easily recognizable and understandable by anyone who encounters them. Additionally, evident things are often backed by concrete evidence or facts that support their existence or truthfulness. This evidence can be in the form of data, observations, or logical reasoning that makes the evident nature of something clear to all.

Examples of Evident

Examples of evident things include the sun rising in the east every morning, the fact that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level, and the understanding that gravity causes objects to fall to the ground. These examples are evident because they are easily observable and can be explained through scientific principles or common knowledge. Anyone can see the sun rise, boil water, or drop an object, making these phenomena evident to all who witness them.

Definition of Self-Evident

Self-evident is a term that goes a step further than evident. It refers to something that is not only clear and obvious but also does not require any external evidence or proof to support its truth. Self-evident things are truths that are so fundamental or axiomatic that they are universally accepted without question. They are considered to be inherently true and do not need to be proven or explained further.

Characteristics of Self-Evident

One of the main characteristics of self-evident truths is their universality. They are truths that are accepted by all people regardless of their background, beliefs, or experiences. Self-evident truths are considered to be self-validating, meaning that their truthfulness is inherent in their nature and does not depend on external validation. Additionally, self-evident truths are often foundational principles that serve as the basis for other beliefs or knowledge.

Examples of Self-Evident

Examples of self-evident truths include the statement "all humans are mortal," the idea that "2 + 2 = 4," and the belief that "love is a powerful emotion." These truths are considered self-evident because they are universally accepted as true without the need for further explanation or proof. They are fundamental principles that are understood to be true by virtue of their nature and do not require external validation to be accepted as such.

Comparison of Evident and Self-Evident

While both evident and self-evident things are clear and obvious, the key difference between them lies in the need for external evidence or proof. Evident things are easily seen or understood but may still require some form of evidence or reasoning to support their truthfulness. Self-evident things, on the other hand, are truths that are universally accepted without the need for any external validation.

• Evident things are transparent and easily observable, while self-evident truths are inherently true and do not require external proof.
• Evident things are backed by evidence or facts that support their existence, while self-evident truths are considered self-validating.
• Examples of evident things include natural phenomena and scientific principles, while examples of self-evident truths include fundamental beliefs and axiomatic principles.

In conclusion, evident and self-evident things both refer to concepts that are clear and obvious. However, the distinction between them lies in the need for external evidence or proof to support their truthfulness. Evident things are easily seen or understood but may still require some form of evidence, while self-evident truths are universally accepted as true without the need for any external validation.