Why Logic Isn't as Objective as You Think in Coding

Is Logic Truly Objective in the Tech World?

In the tech industry, logic is often seen as the cornerstone of decision-making. Developers passionately debate over code structure, performance optimization, and feature implementation. However, a recent discussion on API response formats revealed a surprising truth: these debates are less about objective logic and more about personal biases and assumptions.

What Hidden Assumptions Influence Your Arguments?

A vivid example of this occurred during a debate on the best API response structure. Developers argued fervently for nested objects or flat structures, each citing "best practices" as evidence of their logic's superiority. However, when asked, "What problem are we actually solving?" silence ensued. This moment underscored a critical insight: developers aren't just arguing about logic; they're debating which underlying assumptions to accept as truth.

Can We Ever Claim Our Logic to Be Objective?

The comfort in believing our decisions are the product of pure, objective logic is pervasive among developers. We're trained to think in boolean values and deterministic outcomes. Yet, this belief is a mirage. Logic, in reality, is a tool that operates based on the assumptions we choose, not a crystal-clear window to truth.

• Assumptions Are Crucial: Developers bring different priorities to the table, leading to diverse conclusions from the same facts.
• Context Determines Priority: One developer might favor REST APIs for their simplicity, while another prefers GraphQL for its flexibility. Both views are valid; they simply value different principles.

How Do Our Assumptions Shape Technical Decisions?

Our faith in the objectivity of our logical reasoning often blinds us to the subjective nature of our assumptions. Commonly held beliefs among developers, such as the paramount importance of code quality or the necessity of measuring performance in milliseconds, are not universal truths but context-dependent heuristics. These beliefs become invisible, reinforced through repetition and social acceptance.

The Pitfalls of "Best Practices"

The term "best practices" suggests a level of objective superiority that doesn't always hold. For instance, avoiding global state might benefit large applications but overcomplicate smaller projects. Similarly, semantic versioning is crucial for libraries but may be overkill for internal tools. When best practices become dogma, they hinder our ability to think critically.

Challenging Our Own Assumptions

To foster more effective technical discussions, we must first acknowledge our own assumptions. This involves listing our assumptions before making technical arguments, identifying where disagreements stem from mismatched assumptions, arguing from opposing viewpoints to uncover hidden biases, and using AI tools to gain different perspectives.

The Importance of Understanding Axioms

Realizing that our logic is influenced by our chosen axioms transforms technical debates. Rather than claiming one approach as objectively superior, we can articulate the contexts in which our approach is beneficial. This approach promotes understanding and collaboration over conflict.

Conclusion

Logic is indispensable in software development, but its utility depends on recognizing the assumptions that shape it. By admitting that our reasoning is influenced by personal contexts and experiences, we can engage in more meaningful discussions. Embracing the complexity of our assumptions and striving for clarity in our arguments not only enhances decision-making but also fosters better team collaboration. Recognizing the role of our chosen axioms allows us to approach technical debates with a more nuanced perspective.