Submitted by: Submitted by thomasp
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Words: 302
Pages: 2
Category: Philosophy and Psychology
Date Submitted: 11/10/2013 09:40 PM
Associate Level Material
Assumptions and Fallacies
Write a 150- to 200-word response to each of the following sets of questions:
What are assumptions? How do you think assumptions might interfere with critical thinking? What might you do to avoid making assumptions in your thinking?
Assumptions are conclusions drawn from information obtained. I think assumptions might interfere with critical thinking, by not enabling you to see or think clearly to a specific situation. With the definition of assumptions being “conclusions”, they don't allow you to think critically about a situation because you've already thought of the conclusion of the situation. One thing that I might do to avoid making assumptions in my thinking, would be to always remember to find out any and all information I can in a situation, before coming to a conclusion.
What are fallacies? How are fallacies used in written, oral, and visual arguments? What might you do to avoid fallacies in your thinking?
Fallacies are flaws that weaken and soften the validity of your argument. They are used in written, oral, and visual arguments to sway your way of thinking one way or another. To avoid fallacies in my thinking, I would start off by not making assumptions. By making assumptions, I block my ability to think critically, and wouldn't want to feel the need to question what I am seeing, because I already have a conclusion placed in my head. An other way I might use to avoid fallacies, would be to not always think two things are alike. For example, my socks are white, so all socks are white. By becoming more open to the possibility of there being difference in everything, I become less open to falling for fallacies.
Cite and reference any sourced material consistent with Associate Level Writing Style Handbook guidelines.