How can you identify and analyze assumptions in an argument?

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Assumptions are statements that are taken for granted or accepted as true without evidence. They are often hidden or implicit in an argument, and they can affect the validity and soundness of the reasoning. Identifying and analyzing assumptions can help you evaluate the strength of an argument, avoid logical fallacies, and improve your own critical thinking skills. In this article, you will learn how to identify and analyze assumptions in an argument using four steps: 1) Identify the main claim and the supporting reasons, 2) Ask questions to uncover the assumptions, 3) Evaluate the assumptions for relevance and validity, and 4) Challenge the assumptions with counterexamples and evidence.

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Sacha C.

Research Consultant, NeuroLeadership Institute | Neuroscience and strategy for business growth.
Lauren Antonenko

?? I take the BS out of health and fitness for tangible and sustainable results. My scientific and evidence-based…

1 Identify the main claim and the supporting reasons

The first step to identify and analyze assumptions is to understand the structure of the argument. An argument consists of a main claim or conclusion that is supported by one or more reasons or premises. The main claim is the statement that the arguer wants you to accept or believe, and the reasons are the statements that provide evidence or justification for the main claim. To identify the main claim and the supporting reasons, you can look for clue words such as "therefore", "because", "since", "so", "hence", or "thus" that indicate the relationship between them. For example, in the argument "You should exercise regularly because it improves your health and mood", the main claim is "You should exercise regularly" and the supporting reason is "it improves your health and mood".

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Sacha C.

Research Consultant, NeuroLeadership Institute | Neuroscience and strategy for business growth.
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Not every argument will be structured in a straightforward manner. Some might be implicit or presented in a more complex manner. Distinguishing between the main claim and the supporting reasons is important, as it establishes the foundation upon which the rest of the analysis will be built.

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Lauren Antonenko

?? I take the BS out of health and fitness for tangible and sustainable results. My scientific and evidence-based approach has helped countless busy, time-poor people, like you, get unstuck and become unstoppable.
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Dive into the psychology of persuasion. Explore how people often present their claims with emotionally charged language or anecdotes. As a coach, emphasize the importance of recognizing these tactics and differentiating them from logical, evidence-based arguments. Highlight that understanding the emotional aspect can reveal hidden assumptions tied to personal biases.

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2 Ask questions to uncover the assumptions

The second step to identify and analyze assumptions is to ask questions that probe the underlying assumptions of the argument. Assumptions are often unstated or implicit, so you need to make them explicit by asking questions such as "Why?", "How?", "What if?", or "What does that mean?" For example, in the argument "You should exercise regularly because it improves your health and mood", you can ask questions such as "Why does exercise improve your health and mood?", "How much exercise is needed to improve your health and mood?", "What if you have a medical condition that prevents you from exercising regularly?", or "What does it mean to improve your health and mood?" These questions can help you reveal the assumptions that the arguer is making, such as "Exercise causes physiological and psychological changes that benefit your health and mood", "A moderate amount of exercise is sufficient to improve your health and mood", "There are no alternative ways to improve your health and mood if you cannot exercise regularly", or "Health and mood are measurable and objective concepts".

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Lauren Antonenko

?? I take the BS out of health and fitness for tangible and sustainable results. My scientific and evidence-based approach has helped countless busy, time-poor people, like you, get unstuck and become unstoppable.
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Leverage your coaching skills to encourage introspection. Encourage questions like, "What past experiences might lead someone to make these assumptions?" or "How do these assumptions align with your values and goals?" This approach taps into the deeper motivations behind assumptions and helps individuals connect their beliefs to their personal journeys.

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3 Evaluate the assumptions for relevance and validity

The third step to identify and analyze assumptions is to evaluate the assumptions for their relevance and validity. Relevance means that the assumption is related to the main claim and the supporting reasons, and validity means that the assumption is true or supported by evidence. To evaluate the relevance and validity of the assumptions, you can ask questions such as "Is this assumption necessary for the argument?", "Is this assumption sufficient for the argument?", "Is this assumption consistent with the facts?", or "Is this assumption reasonable or plausible?" For example, in the argument "You should exercise regularly because it improves your health and mood", you can ask questions such as "Is it necessary to assume that exercise causes physiological and psychological changes that benefit your health and mood?", "Is it sufficient to assume that a moderate amount of exercise is enough to improve your health and mood?", "Is it consistent with the facts to assume that there are no alternative ways to improve your health and mood if you cannot exercise regularly?", or "Is it reasonable or plausible to assume that health and mood are measurable and objective concepts?" These questions can help you assess the strength and weakness of the assumptions, and identify any gaps or flaws in the reasoning.

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Lauren Antonenko

?? I take the BS out of health and fitness for tangible and sustainable results. My scientific and evidence-based approach has helped countless busy, time-poor people, like you, get unstuck and become unstoppable.
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Introduce the concept of cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias or the halo effect. Explain how these biases can influence the formation of assumptions. Help readers recognize these biases in themselves and in others, showing that evaluating assumptions involves not only logic but also an awareness of these cognitive traps.

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Sacha C.

Research Consultant, NeuroLeadership Institute | Neuroscience and strategy for business growth.
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It's essential to remember that not all assumptions are created equal. Some are vital for the argument's structure, while others might be less central. One thing useful is by weighing their relevance and validity to discern which assumptions significantly impact the argument's overall strength.

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4 Challenge the assumptions with counterexamples and evidence

The fourth and final step to identify and analyze assumptions is to challenge the assumptions with counterexamples and evidence. Counterexamples are scenarios or situations that contradict or undermine the assumptions, and evidence are facts or data that support or refute the assumptions. To challenge the assumptions with counterexamples and evidence, you can ask questions such as "Can you think of a case where this assumption does not hold?", "Can you find any sources or studies that confirm or deny this assumption?", or "Can you provide any examples or statistics that illustrate or challenge this assumption?" For example, in the argument "You should exercise regularly because it improves your health and mood", you can ask questions such as "Can you think of a case where exercise does not improve your health and mood, or where it has negative effects?", "Can you find any sources or studies that show the causal relationship between exercise and health and mood, or the optimal amount and type of exercise?", or "Can you provide any examples or statistics that show the variation and complexity of health and mood, or the influence of other factors?" These questions can help you test the validity and soundness of the assumptions, and explore alternative perspectives and possibilities.

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Lauren Antonenko

?? I take the BS out of health and fitness for tangible and sustainable results. My scientific and evidence-based approach has helped countless busy, time-poor people, like you, get unstuck and become unstoppable.
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Highlight the power of empathy and perspective-taking. Encourage readers to step into the shoes of those who hold different assumptions. As a coach, stress the importance of fostering empathy as a tool to challenge assumptions constructively. By understanding diverse viewpoints, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of assumptions.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sacha C.

Research Consultant, NeuroLeadership Institute | Neuroscience and strategy for business growth.
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The context in which an argument is presented plays a crucial role. Factors like cultural norms, historical events, or even communication can influence the way assumptions are made and interpreted. It's beneficial to consider these external factors when dissecting an argument's assumptions.

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How can you identify and analyze assumptions in an argument?

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3

4

5

1 Identify the main claim and the supporting reasons

2 Ask questions to uncover the assumptions

3 Evaluate the assumptions for relevance and validity

4 Challenge the assumptions with counterexamples and evidence

5 Here’s what else to consider

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How can you identify and analyze assumptions in an argument?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify the main claim and the supporting reasons

2 Ask questions to uncover the assumptions

3 Evaluate the assumptions for relevance and validity

4 Challenge the assumptions with counterexamples and evidence

5 Here’s what else to consider

Analytical Skills

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感谢您的反馈

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