1.
proposition; thesis; statement to be proven
In logic, philosophy, or mathematics, a statement or assertion that can be evaluated as true or false.
この命題は正しい。
This proposition is correct.
命題の真偽を検証する。
To verify the truth or falsity of a proposition.
「人間は自由であるべきだ」というのは哲学の大きな命題の一つだ。
"Humans should be free" is one of the great propositions of philosophy.
2.
assignment; task; challenge to be addressed
A topic or issue that is given or set before someone to address or solve. Often used for tasks or challenges in intellectual or creative contexts.
難しい命題を与えられた。
I was given a difficult assignment.
環境保護は現代社会の大きな命題だ。
Environmental protection is a major challenge of modern society.
作家に与えられた命題は「未来の日本」というテーマだった。
The assignment given to the writer was the theme of "Japan's Future."
Composed of 命 (command, decree) and 題 (topic, subject). Originally meant a topic that is given (命じられた題), hence the two senses: a formal proposition and an assigned topic.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 命題を証明する: to prove a proposition
- 命題の真偽: truth or falsity of a proposition
- 大きな命題: a major proposition/challenge
- 命題を与える: to assign a topic
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 課題: task, issue — more everyday, often homework or work tasks
- 命題: proposition — more academic, used in logic and intellectual contexts
- {テーマ}: theme — a subject or topic, less formal
- 論題: debate topic — specifically a topic for argument or discussion