Identifying Assumptions in Arguments Flashcards

Argument: 'Since sales of electric vehicles have increased, air pollution in cities must be decreasing.' What assumption does this argument make?

Answer: Electric vehicles are primarily replacing fossil-fuel vehicles rather than being added alongside them

The argument assumes EVs are substituting for polluting vehicles; if they're being added to existing fleets, total emissions could still rise.

Argument: 'Our new drug reduces tumor size in lab mice, so it should be effective in treating human cancer.' Which assumption is this argument most dependent on?

Answer: Biological mechanisms relevant to tumor reduction are sufficiently similar between mice and humans

The argument bridges animal and human results by assuming the underlying biology is comparable enough to predict similar outcomes.

Argument: 'Attendance at the library has dropped since the internet became widely available; therefore, the internet is making people less interested in reading.' What assumption underlies this reasoning?

Answer: Library attendance is a reliable measure of interest in reading

The argument assumes that library visits accurately represent reading interest, ignoring that people may read more using digital sources.

Argument: 'All top-ranked universities require calculus; Maria attends a top-ranked university, so Maria has studied calculus.' What hidden assumption is present?

Answer: The requirement to study calculus means students actually complete that study

The argument assumes that a university requirement translates into students having actually fulfilled it.

Argument: 'Organic food sales have tripled; clearly, consumers are becoming more health-conscious.' Which assumption does this rely on?

Answer: Health consciousness is the primary driver of organic food purchases

The argument assumes that purchasing organic food is motivated by health concerns rather than environmental, taste, or social factors.

Argument: 'Students who sleep eight hours perform better on standardized tests; we should therefore mandate an 8 p.m. bedtime for all high school students.' What assumption does this make?

Answer: A mandated bedtime will result in students actually sleeping for eight hours

The argument assumes that setting a bedtime policy will produce the desired sleep duration, ignoring compliance and individual variation.

Argument: 'This neighborhood's crime rate fell after the new community center opened, proving that community centers reduce crime.' What assumption is being made?

Answer: The crime reduction was caused by the community center rather than other simultaneous changes

The argument assumes a causal link between the community center and crime reduction, ignoring other possible explanations for the timing.