> Did you assume that challenging an assumption meant opposing it? I think the phrase 'challenging an assumption' leaves a bad taste in some people's mouth due

> Did you assume that challenging an assumption meant opposing it? I think the phrase 'challenging an assumption' leaves a bad taste in some people's mouth due to negative associations. I have definitely seen people use 'challenging assumptions' as a shield for their argument or actions when it was not justified. Or worse be upset when the phrase does not get people to back their idea or actions. Questioning, reexamining, challenging what have you is important in scientific progress. 'challenging assumptions', 'challenging the establishment', and probably other similar phrases I am not familiar with have been used conspiracy theorists and pseudoscientists and the association has tainted the phrase leaving a bad taste in some people's month.