Assumption and Fallacies

Associate Level Material

Assumptions and Fallacies

Mapu T. Nagbe

HUM/111- Critical and Creative Thinking

March 23, 2014

Professor Vernon Lee

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?

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* Assumption is a natural phase of our everyday life. According to Ruggiero, V. R. (2012, p. 185), “To assume is to take something for granted, to expect that things will be a certain way because they have been that way in the past or because you want them to be that way.” It can cause one to miss the ability to judge a situation right.

* Assumptions interfere with critical thinking in that it makes one loses the ability to make sound judgment. Some of the assumptions that hinder critical thinking process are assuming that others are familiar with and are happy to for me, that people will not be affected by some imperfection in the decision, that once the ideas are clear to me it will also be clear to them.

* Finally, one thing I can do to avoid making assumption in my thinking is to realize the assumption that the people who stand to benefit most from my idea will accept it automatically without any persuasion on my part.

* I have to make sure that my thought process are examine critically before making an inform decision. I also have to make sure that I clearly communicate so that others can fully understand what the problems or issues are and most important is not to allow my ego to take over my thinking but rather use it to develop a strong intellect.

* Visualizing each situation will enable one to avoid mistakes and embarrassment. Assumptions can interfere with our critical thinking skills because we do not ask questions, search for information, criticize, and investigate information. We...