Arguments and hidden assumptions

Some arguments depend on an unstated assumption.

Some arguments depend on an unstated assumption. Ask what must be true for the conclusion to follow from the premises, then examine the support for that assumption.

Practical examples

The proposal assumes that demand will remain stable.

يفترض المقترح أن الطلب سيبقى مستقرًا.

That conclusion does not necessarily follow from the figures.

لا تترتب تلك النتيجة بالضرورة على الأرقام.

The argument depends on treating the two groups as comparable.

تعتمد الحجة على اعتبار المجموعتين قابلتين للمقارنة.

Check your understanding

1. What is a hidden assumption?
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