There is a widespread philosophical presumption that simplicity is a theoretical virtue.

Viewers seem cool to the widespread presumption this season that they would want more suspenseful serial dramas along the lines of "24" and "Lost."

Before then the widespread presumption was that a direct connection between religion and public policy existed as the country tackled issues like prohibition, child labor, slavery and women's rights.

The widespread presumption in Israel was that Switzerland went public only after reports about the operation appeared in Israel.

Thus far, European leaders have not challenged the widespread presumption that Mr. Duisenberg's successor will be French.

Dr. Welch challenges what he calls the "culture of medicine," questioning the "widespread presumption that it never hurts to look."

What the Smithsonian presented in its exhibitions was now supposed to represent a consensus view, an absurdity but a widespread presumption.

What made this contribution so important was the widespread presumption that scientists, rather than being bound by preconceptions, were open-minded in the sense of always questioning inherited ideas.

Until the 1854 conference, the widespread presumption was that the discovery had been an accident.

Leak to the news media regarding Richard Jewell that led to the widespread and incorrect presumption of his guilt in the Centennial Olympic Park bombing.