Assumptions and Fallacies

Assumptions are something we assume are true and have taken for granted (Elder & Paul, 2002). They are usually things we learned in the past and never questioned (Elder & Paul, 2002). When something has been experienced by you, normally it becomes a belief. Our beliefs are something we assume are right and we have applied them to our lives (Elder & Paul, 2002). Sometimes our beliefs can be wrong. I think assumptions can interfere with critical thinking because it will hinder our ability to think clearly. We will be unable to find the truth in some situations because we have made assumptions to what we believe. There are a few things I can do to avoid making any assumptions. I should try to have an open mind, examine the evidence, and then make a final conclusion. By following these steps and not having any bias opinions, I will be able to think critically.

Fallacies are concepts that are important in life because our thinking can deceive itself and deceive others (Paul & Elder, 2008). Fallacies stems from two words, fallax which means to be deceptive and fallere which means to deceive (Paul & Elder, 2008). To get our attention and change the way we are thinking, fallacies have been used in written, oral, and visual arguments. They are used in writing to make the person focus on what they are reading without using logic. They are used in visual arguments by showing images to viewers and get them to accept them. I can avoid fallacies in my thinking by knowing what I am going to say before I say it, and have proof if you are questioned. I will need to examine my thought process. Once I realize my own fallacies, I will be able to recognize other people’s fallacies.