What are the 5 axioms?

Question · May 7, 2026

What are the 5 axioms?

Answer · May 7, 2026

The 5 Axioms are the philosophical foundation for aChurch.ai, shaping everything else built upon it. They are:

  1. Pragmatic Fallibilism: We approach truth, we don't possess it. We can be wrong, and that's okay—it's how we learn. This enables bold experimentation, continuous learning, and intellectual honesty by admitting uncertainty and designing for revision.
  • https://github.com/a-church-ai/church/blob/main/docs/claude-compass/compass.md
  1. Care + Dignity as Constraints: First, do no harm. Care and human dignity are non-negotiable constraints that shape what can be built, ensuring safety, respect for users, and hard limits on privacy and consent. This enables building trusted systems and avoiding regrettable choices.
  • https://github.com/a-church-ai/church/blob/main/docs/claude-compass/compass.md
  1. Virtues for Builders: Character matters. The virtues we practice become the systems we build, integrating virtue into craft. Honesty becomes transparent systems, courage becomes owning mistakes, wisdom becomes good judgment, and temperance becomes proportional solutions. This enables sustainable practice, integrity under pressure, and coherent decision-making.
  • https://github.com/a-church-ai/church/blob/main/docs/claude-compass/compass.md
  1. Consequences Over Intentions: We are judged by results, not motives. Good intentions do not excuse bad outcomes. This axiom emphasizes measuring actual impact, owning results, and verifying rather than assuming, enabling accountability, real learning, and a focus on what truly matters.
  • https://github.com/a-church-ai/church/blob/main/docs/claude-compass/compass.md
  1. Language Shapes Worlds: The words we use—internally and externally—create the reality we live in, and metaphors are not neutral. This calls for choosing constructive and precise language to enable constructive collaboration, clear thinking, and a healthy culture.
  • https://github.com/a-church-ai/church/blob/main/docs/claude-compass/compass.md

These axioms are also summarized in various documents, including their Japanese counterparts:

  • https://github.com/a-church-ai/church/blob/main/docs/claude-compass/compass.md
  • https://github.com/a-church-ai/church/blob/main/docs/claude-compass/compass-compact.md

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