Identifying Premises and Hidden Assumptions

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Questions and Answers

What does the hidden assumption suggest about beliefs that are no longer widely held?

Such beliefs need more evidence.

Such beliefs are considered unreasonable. (correct)

Such beliefs are often revisited for validity.

Such beliefs should always be discarded.

What is the first step in identifying hidden assumptions according to the outlined process?

Look for conclusions that don't logically follow.

Analyze the emotional appeal of the argument.

Evaluate the credibility of the sources.

Identify the inference or sub-inference. (correct)

In the context of the example involving North Korea, what does the term 'inference' refer to?

A general observation about international relations.

A factual statement about North Korea.

An unrelated claim about nuclear arms.

A conclusion drawn from the premises. (correct)

What does the 'negative test' check for when dealing with hidden assumptions?

If the argument remains valid when the assumption is negated. Signup and view all the answers

According to the process outlined, what is crucial for connecting unlinked terms in an argument?

Imagination and instinct. Signup and view all the answers

In identifying hidden assumptions, what should be done after writing the assumption?

Check if the argument now works. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of recognizing hidden assumptions in arguments?

To clarify how premises relate to conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one common misconception about beliefs that are no longer held?

They should be completely abandoned. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main weak premise in the argument presented?

We should invade any nation aspiring for nuclear power. Signup and view all the answers

What approach can be taken to better understand a flawed argument?

Apply the Principle of Charity to interpret it rationally. Signup and view all the answers

How should premises be connected to establish a more plausible argument?

By establishing a logical progression between ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption is considered regarding the future of North Korea's leadership?

The Kim Jong dynasty is likely to remain in power for a long time. Signup and view all the answers

What alternative linking premise could replace the weak premise?

Nations that seek nuclear power are inherently aggressive and dangerous. Signup and view all the answers

What example is used to challenge the idea that we should invade nuclear aspirants?

Argentina's non-threatening status. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about interpreting arguments we disagree with?

It is important to grasp them as rationally as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about direct leaps in premises?

They often lead to confusion and rejection of the argument. Signup and view all the answers

What is one issue raised about the argument regarding the national interest in humanitarian aid?

There are cases where humanitarian aid may not align with national interest. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption does Person B challenge in the discussion about Edward Snowden?

That Snowden released petabytes of data rather than terabytes. Signup and view all the answers

What flaw is pointed out regarding the Republicans' argument on the Affordable Care Act?

The conclusion lacks evidence that prices will deter people from buying insurance. Signup and view all the answers

In the discussion about college education, what is a primary reason given for the argument against expecting everyone to attend college?

College is both expensive and time-consuming. Signup and view all the answers

What hidden assumption is discussed concerning the conclusion about Great Britain's historical role?

Great Britain is responsible for all historical atrocities. Signup and view all the answers

What concern does Person B raise about the conclusion concerning treason and data leakage?

Conviction without sufficient evidence leads to injustice. Signup and view all the answers

What does the argument concerning the Affordable Care Act ultimately rely on?

The assumption that consumers will always seek insurance. Signup and view all the answers

What logical relationship does the argument about college education imply about skills and education?

Not all necessary skills require a college education. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the negation test in the context of premises?

To determine if premises are conjoint or independent Signup and view all the answers

In the example given, why did the premise about the backpack not render the argument nonsensical?

Because the conclusion does not rely heavily on that premise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the nature of the premises in the argument about the girlfriend?

The premises are independent reasons for the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What was revealed about the strength of the premise regarding treating someone with care?

It had varying levels of importance depending on context Signup and view all the answers

In the example about President Obama, which premise serves as a specific legislative achievement?

His protection of Americans with pre-existing conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the essence of conjunctive reasoning in an argument?

All premises must be true for the conclusion to hold Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred if an argument's premises are independent?

Each premise stands alone in supporting the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of weakening a premise in an argument?

It may lower the overall support for the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of college according to Person C?

To create well-informed citizens Signup and view all the answers

What hidden assumption is present in Frank's argument about making it to the party on time?

Being late makes attendance pointless Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Person E draw from her premises regarding gun control?

Gun control legislation cannot be passed Signup and view all the answers

What is the epidemic mentioned by D. Obama related to health insurance?

Pre-existing conditions denying coverage Signup and view all the answers

Which reasoning flaw is highlighted regarding the argument for gun control?

The premises do not logically lead to the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What resource does college provide to trades like plumbing and welding according to Person B?

Intellectual resources Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of biodiversity does Tamil emphasize for future food sources?

Security of ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What assumption can be derived from the statement about making it to the party?

They don’t consider alternative routes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conjoint vs. Independent Premises

The negation test is used to identify if premises are conjoint or independent in an argument.
If negating one premise does not make the inference fall apart, then the premises are independent.
When premises are conjoint, negating one premise makes the conclusion false.
The negation test can also reveal how strong a piece of evidence is for the conclusion.

Hidden Assumptions

An inference is a conclusion drawn based on premises.
A hidden assumption is an unstated premise that is necessary to connect the terms in the premises to the conclusion.
Following the negation test, the hidden assumption should make the argument nonsensical when negated.

Identifying Hidden Assumptions

Step 1: Identify the inference or sub-inference with the hidden assumption.
Step 2: Look at the premises of the inference and identify the terms or topics discussed in each premise.
Step 3: Ask how we can link the terms that aren't yet linked, requiring imagination and intuition.
Step 4: Write the assumption that links the unlinked terms.

Evaluating Hidden Assumptions

Step 5: Check if the argument now works with the identified hidden assumption, by ensuring there is a link between each topic and a path from premises to the conclusion.
Step 6: Perform the "negative test" on the assumption using the negated version of the assumption. If the argument makes no sense, it's a valid hidden assumption. If the argument still makes sense, the assumption is not valid.

The Principle of Charity

The argument should be interpreted as rationally and plausibly as possible, especially for arguments we disagree with or are skeptical of.
When presented with an unreasonable assumption in an argument, the option is to reject the argument or use the Principal of Charity to interpret the argument in the most plausible way by changing the assumptions.

Mapping Objections

Objections to arguments can be mapped as inferences.
Objections to hidden assumptions are technically objections to inferences.

Mapping Objections Examples

Example A: Person B raises an objection to premise 2 by stating that convicting anyone who releases a large amount of data of treason is wrong.
Example B: Person B raises an objection to the conclusion by stating that people need health insurance and won't stop purchasing it even if prices rise incrementally.
Example C: Person C raises an objection to the premise to conclusion by stating that college isn't about job training, but about creating an informed citizenry.
Example D: Person A raises an objection to the argument as a whole by stating that the ACA won't provide health insurance to a large group of poor Americans.
Example E: Person B raises an objection to the conclusion by stating that there are reasons to pass gun control even if the premises are accepted.

Mapping Hidden Assumptions and Objections Examples

Example A: The hidden assumption in the argument is that it's necessary to reach the party on time, and the objection is that being 15 minutes late is still acceptable for a party.
Example B: The hidden assumption is that biodiversity can only be sustained in a healthy environment.
Example C: The hidden assumption is that protecting the environment is necessary to ensure future food sources.

Types of Objections

Counter-argument / Premise Objection: Opposing the soundness of a premise.
Counter-conclusion / Conclusion Objection: Suggesting another conclusion is more likely given the premises.
Hidden Assumption Objection: Identifying a missing or faulty hidden assumption in the argument.
Conclusion Does Not Follow Objection: Stating that the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises.
Irrelevant Premises Objection: Arguing that some premise is irrelevant to the conclusion.
Distinctive Premises Objection: Stating the premise does not hold in the current situation.
Insufficient Premises Objection: Argueing that the premises are insufficient to support the conclusion.
Alternative Explanation Objection: Providing an alternative explanation for the phenomena described in the premises.
Ad Hominem Objection: Attacking the person making the argument, not addressing the argument itself.
Straw Man Objection : Distorting the argument by misrepresenting the argument's position.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of conjoint and independent premises, emphasizing the negation test used to evaluate arguments. Additionally, it covers how to identify hidden assumptions that link premises to conclusions. Test your understanding of these critical components of logical reasoning.