Understanding Assumptions
What is an implicit assumption?
A. A claim stated directly in the argument
B. A belief held by the author without stating it
C. A conclusion that follows from the reasoning
D. A counterargument introduced for balance
B. A belief held by the author without stating it
Which of the following is a poor strategy for strengthening an argument?
A. Adding the assumption that "if the reasons are true, the conclusion must be"
B. Adding assumptions that fit the context
C. Considering the author's background beliefs
D. Including plausible alternatives to conclusions
A. Adding the assumption that "if the reasons are true, the conclusion must be"
What is the flaw in using the assumption “if some unemployed people can find jobs, then all can”?
A. It makes the argument too complex
B. It fails to mention the government’s role
C. It uses accurate statistics incorrectly
D. It relies on a universal claim from a specific case
D. It relies on a universal claim from a specific case
Why is it important to consider other relevant arguments or considerations?
A. To identify the main conclusion
B. To strengthen the assumptions
C. To think creatively and critically about the issue
D. To avoid using deductive reasoning
C. To think creatively and critically about the issue
What is the main purpose of identifying implicit assumptions in reasoning?
A. To refute the argument entirely
B. To make the argument appear more complex
C. To evaluate how well the reasoning supports the conclusion
D. To avoid evaluating other relevant considerations
C. To evaluate how well the reasoning supports the conclusion
Which technique is least helpful in making an argument stronger?
A. Attributing assumptions that fit the context
B. Adding general truths most people accept
C. Adding the assumption that "if the reasons are true, the conclusion must be true"
D. Including relevant background knowledge
C. Adding the assumption that "if the reasons are true, the conclusion must be true"
Which of the following is a flaw in reasoning often caused by overgeneralization?
A. Relying on statistical averages
B. Assuming that what is true of some is true of all
C. Focusing on a single cause for a complex issue
D. Ignoring counterexamples entirely
B. Assuming that what is true of some is true of all
Which of the following shows “other relevant considerations” that can challenge an argument?
A. Evidence from the same author
B. Assumptions made in parliamentary debates
C. Assumptions shared by everyone
D. Alternative social, medical, or ethical perspectives
D. Alternative social, medical, or ethical perspectives
What does the book say about using imagination when identifying assumptions?
A. Creative thinking helps when assumptions are not obvious
B. Imagination is discouraged in critical thinking
C. Only logical tools should be used, not creativity
D. Imagination is useful only in fiction writing
A. Creative thinking helps when assumptions are not obvious
Which of these is a valid way to strengthen an argument?
A. Attribute unrealistic assumptions
B. Use assumptions that are likely in the context
C. Ignore background knowledge
D. Focus only on the conclusion
B. Use assumptions that are likely in the context
What does the “principle of charity” encourage us to do when evaluating arguments?
A. Always agree with the author’s position
B. Attribute the weakest possible assumptions
C. Use sarcasm when refuting claims
D. Interpret arguments in the most reasonable and constructive way
D. Interpret arguments in the most reasonable and constructive way
Which of these assumptions weakens the argument that “everyone who doesn’t go to university should become an entrepreneur”?
A. Entrepreneurs need drive, organization, and risk-taking ability
B. University is unnecessary for success
C. Entrepreneurs need only freedom and no education
D. Working for oneself is better than working for a company
A. Entrepreneurs need drive, organization, and risk-taking ability
What is the key flaw in the argument: "Jones has worked hard, so he will pass the exam"?
A. Hard work always guarantees success
B. It lacks grammatical clarity
C. It ignores other relevant assumptions like intelligence and exam difficulty
D. It is a false dilemma
C. It ignores other relevant assumptions like intelligence and exam difficulty
Why is adding the assumption “if the reasons are true, the conclusion must be true” unhelpful?
A. It removes all implicit assumptions
B. It distracts from the actual content
C. It makes the argument overly technical
D. It relocates doubts instead of resolving them
D. It relocates doubts instead of resolving them
What does it mean to evaluate an argument using the principle of charity?
A. Giving the most generous and constructive interpretation possible
B. Dismissing weak assumptions to focus only on facts
C. Always agreeing with the speaker’s conclusion
D. Removing assumptions to simplify the reasoning
A. Giving the most generous and constructive interpretation possible
Why is it important to include background knowledge when evaluating arguments?
A. It makes the assumptions unnecessary
B. It helps determine if assumptions are plausible
C. It allows us to dismiss emotional reasoning
D. It ensures conclusions are mathematically valid
B. It helps determine if assumptions are plausible
According to Chapter 9, how do assumptions affect the strength of reasoning?
A. They weaken reasoning by introducing bias
B. They must be explicitly stated to have any effect
C. They are irrelevant if the conclusion is true
D. They provide context that helps strengthen inferences if plausible
D. They provide context that helps strengthen inferences if plausible
Why might an inference about a building being burned down be acceptable, even if it follows a flawed logical form?
A. It uses reliable statistical data
B. It assumes no other plausible explanation exists
C. It includes expert witness testimony
D. It follows a formal deductive pattern
B. It assumes no other plausible explanation exists
Which of the following strategies is not recommended when attributing assumptions?
A. Attribute assumptions that make the reasoning as strong as possible
B. Attribute assumptions that are likely in context
C. Attribute assumptions that are controversial and unusual
D. Attribute assumptions that help make sense of the argument
C. Attribute assumptions that are controversial and unusual
Which of the following best describes “relevant considerations” in critical thinking?
A. Perspectives that could influence the reasoning
B. Ideas that oppose the conclusion directly
C. Extra facts that distract from the conclusion
D. Details that repeat the original assumptions
A. Perspectives that could influence the reasoning