...Assumptions and Fallacies Robin Combs HUM/111 August 9, 2013 Alicia Carter-Watts Assumptions and Fallacies * Assumptions are when something is taken for granted. When assumptions are made the facts are sometimes overlooked. Unfortunately, assumptions are often incorrect, and can cause huge misunderstandings or ever hurt others feelings. By assuming something, the thought process is interrupted, leaving the thinker short. When one assumes answers to their questions, or problems they no longer feel the need to think about that particular topic any longer, this is very bad for the critical thinking process. In order to avoid assumptions I will not accept answers to my questions without explanation, or proof that it is correct. It is unfair to many when assumptions are accepted, especially if they are not correct. By avoiding assumptions, I can improve my critical thinking process, and expand my knowledge. Although sometimes a correct assumption can save thinking time, it does not help the person making the assumption learn how to problem solve, or research. Some other types of assumptions might be called a guess, a theory, a hypothesis, or several other names. Regardless of what it’s called it is a type of assumption. * A fallacy is an incorrect belief. Unfortunately, fallacies too often slip through the cracks of thinking. By do research, and carefully inspecting information before accepting it as fact, these fallacies can be revealed. An example of a fallacy is the...
Words: 356 - Pages: 2
...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 beliefs or ideas that we have with little evidence or facts. Assumptions can interfere with critical thinking in a major way. If we are working with a group and we assume that the others we work with are less knowledgeable then we may not listen to their ideas or opinions. If we assume that our ideas or opinions are better than those in our group we could hurt the group and brush aside and good ideas. When trying to avoid assumptions we must try to experience something first hand, or talk to those who have first-hand knowledge of it. Talking to those with first-hand experience or experiencing it ourself it will help set aside any assumptions that we may have had. • 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 misleading, deceptive, or false notion. Fallacies used in writing, visual, or oral arguments try to hide the fact that there is a lack of logic and intentionally try to mislead us. Showing someone a visual picture with misleading number can still persuade people a certain way. When trying to avoid fallacies we have to look at facts and logic. When reviewing all the facts and...
Words: 276 - Pages: 2
...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? • What are fallacies? How are fallacies used in written, oral, and visual arguments? What might you do to avoid fallacies in your thinking? Cite and reference any sourced material consistent with Associate Level Writing Style Handbook guidelines. 1. According to The Random House Dictionary, assumptions is the act of taking for granted or supposing, act of taking to or upon oneself, act of taking possession, arrogance or presumption. In the reading from this week assumption is to take for granted, to expect things will be a certain way because they have been in the past or you want them that way. Assumptions effect critical thinking because if you take something for granted you may not think objectively about something. When I hear the word assume, It reminds me of a saying (to assume makes an *** out of you and me!) this saying helps me keep things in perspective and will assist in the critical thinking process. One way to avoid assumptions is to ask questions (play devils advocate) of the situation or material that you are working on. By getting a different perspective from someone else and compare your way of thinking to theirs to see if there are any flaws. By looking...
Words: 456 - Pages: 2
...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? An assumption is taking something for granted. Assumptions are expecting things to be a certain way based on how similar situations have been in the past, or because we want them to be a certain way (Ruggiero, 2012, pg.185). Making assumptions can get in the way of critical thinking. Critical thinking is a way of looking at things from every perspective, and evaluating the results of these perceptions logically. Assuming something can interfere looking at something from a logical standpoint. If we make an assumption about something we are less likely to evaluate all the different dimensions of the thing being looked at. In order to lessen the chances of making this mistake we must try not to assume things. Take away what we may think we know about the situation, and to evaluate it for what it is. Not every situation is the same and it is important to treat it that way. • What are fallacies? How are fallacies used in written, oral, and visual arguments? What might you do to avoid fallacies in your thinking? A fallacy is a mistaken belief. Fallacies are used in written, oral and visual arguments typically to throw off the other person’s train of thought, to bring you...
Words: 419 - Pages: 2
...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? An assumption is something that is accepted as true or certain to happen, without proof. When you make an assumption you are, ultimately, throwing reasoning out the window because you have replaced critical thinking with, either, hearse or imagination. In order to not let assumptions take control of your critical thinking you, basically, need to only look at what is and speculate about potential scenarios as being true or believed to happen scenarios. This, with most things, is definitely an easier said than done scenario. For me, the best way I’ve learned to not let assumptions ruin my own critical thinking is to simply my thought process and not expect anything to happen until it actually does happen. This way I only deal with what is and not what I think. • 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 mistaken beliefs or unsound arguments that render an argument invalid. Fallacies can be used in all forms of arguments the person preparing the argument does not validate their statements by either checking the quality of their sources or not obtaining factual...
Words: 356 - Pages: 2
...Associate Level Material Assumptions and Fallacies Write a 150- to 200-word response to each of the following sets of questions: 1. What are assumptions? 2. something taken for granted: something that is believed to true without proof 3. belief without proof: the belief that something is true without having any proof 4. act of undertaking something: the act of taking something upon yourself • • How do you think assumptions might interfere with critical thinking? Without seeinh the whole picture for what it worth a person assumption may cloud the critical thinking and make the person not see it at all • What might you do to avoid making assumptions in your thinking? I will make sure I have all supporting evidence before making any assumptions. I will consider other option before assuming anything and I will ask any necessary questions needed for me to see the whole picture. • What are fallacies? a deceptive, misleading, or false notion, belief, etc.: That the world is flat was at one time a popular fallacy. 2. a misleading or unsound argument. 3. deceptive, misleading, or false nature; erroneousness. 4. Logic. any of various types of erroneous reasoning that render arguments logically unsound. 5. Obsolete , deception. • • How are fallacies used in written, oral, and visual arguments? Either/or thinking is in the believing that there are only two choices, when there may be more. To correct this error you should...
Words: 421 - Pages: 2
...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 beliefs or ideas of something that have not been proven to be true, or have no proof of evidence. Assumptions can also be a part of our belief system that we do not question, or that we have previously learned due to our interpretation of the world around us. Assumptions can interfere with our critical thinking because we do not stop to think about them, so we are not utilizing our critical thinking skills to the best of our ability. This can hinder our ability to think critically because it is a perpetual block that prevents us from looking at every angle of the situation or searching for the truth in the matter. In order to avoid making assumptions in our thinking, it is important to examine all of the evidence surrounding the situation, and gain control of your thought processes. We must also remain open minded to various situations or solutions, ask the right questions, and recognize things that could interfere with critical thinking like our own bias, or opinions surrounding the situation. Assuming anything could not only be hazardous for the critical thinking process, but for everyone involved in the situation. • What are fallacies? How are fallacies used in written...
Words: 516 - Pages: 3
...Assumptions & Fallacies HUM/111 April 17, 2014 Pam Strunk Assumptions & Fallacies 1) What are assumptions? How do you think assumptions might interfere with critical thinking? Elder, L. & Paul, R. (2002) define assumptions as "is something we take for granted or presuppose" 25 (3), 34. It is imperative to identify what we believe on the basis of an argument, as opposed to what we know. Develop critical thinking made us able to abstract our prejudices and preconceptions acquired through our life experience. These assumptions incorporate our paradigms and stereotypes. What we get through the reasoning of the information and assumptions are the interpretations that draws conclusions and give meaning to the data. With inferences, we take only what is apparent from the evidence. Therefore, I have to check whether inferences are logical. Our conclusions are often distorted by our interests. We must ensure that our conclusions will be the focus of all relevant information and that we have not excluded the information that does not support our preconceived ideas. 2) What are fallacies? What might you do to avoid using this particular fallacy in your thinking? Fallacy is an argument that is not valid or wrong, but with the appearance of correct reasoning. It is a misleading or erroneous reasoning, but it aims to be convincing or persuasive. Fallacious reasoning does not necessarily have a false conclusion, and right or valid reasoning...
Words: 349 - Pages: 2
...Camille Jones 8th Period Ms. Monik Greed motivates much of the characters in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Huck Finn makes his adventurous and obstacle-filled journey down the Mississippi River along with his friend Tom, a middle-classed boy. The two make their way down this particular river facing many challenges which they somehow overcome. Also, Huck comes across many different people from different backgrounds along his trip down the Mississippi. It is Huck’s quest to find his real and true identity and he has his dear friend, Tom, by his side every step of the way. Twain points out that the actions of someone towards another is changed by greed and in wanting what the other person has or being a part of whatever that person is a part of. (Twain; 74) “Why that’s all right. Miss Hooker she tole me, particular, that her uncle Hornback−” “Great guns! Is he her uncle?” Greed plays a very significant part in American society today. Whenever you have money everyone wants to be close to you but other than that you’re basically just a bump in the log. It’s quite funny how a person will mistreat you or never even acknowledge you unless there is money involved. I guess the people of today’s society forgot what the true meaning of life is perhaps. Even people of higher power are sometimes corrupted by greed. (125) “It didn’t take me long to make up my mind that these liars warn’t no kings nor dukes at all, but just low-down humbugs and frauds...
Words: 582 - Pages: 3
...Appendix D Assumptions and Fallacies Nanette McDowell Hum 111/ week 8 Assignment April 13, 2013 Bethany Bigler • What are assumptions? How do you think assumptions might interfere with critical thinking? What might you do to avoid making assumptions in your thinking? An assumption is a thought or a way of someone’s thinking in which they believes are true without proof. For example, when I was young I thought that all white people did not like black people. As I became older to understand my thoughts and judgments, this assumption was not true at all. The assumption back then was perceived in my mind because of the kinds of people that I was around that influenced my judgment. I was overgeneralizing about white people not liking black people because of the environment at the time. We must identify inferences and assumptions in order to see what inferences are illogical when the assumptions that lead to them are not justifiable. Once you become skilled in identifying the inferences and assumptions you are in a better position to question the extent to which any of your assumptions are justified. The key is recognizing and questioning our inferences and assumptions. To avoid making false assumptions here are some tips that I follow: (eHow article), • “Be as objective as you can in making evaluative decisions. Whether you're at work, at home or with your friends, be as logical and fair as possible in your judgments. • Resist the urge to accept stereotypes. Even though...
Words: 685 - Pages: 3
...Material Appendix D Assumptions and Fallacies Write a 150- to 200-word response to each of the following 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? According to the text and assumption is “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.” Critical thinking is all about doing the research, asking questions, and making sure all of your facts are correct. You must also make sure that everyone is on the same page with you and understands what you are talking about. When you assume, you are basically bypassing all of the critical thinking steps. Assumptions can interfere with critical thinking by assuming that everyone agrees with you and is familiar with your topic. When you assume you can embarrass yourself a great deal and when working at a job, making assumptions can hinder your work performance. In order to avoid making assumptions, you must realize the others will have their own ideas and may not agree with you on everything. If you want your conclusion to be clear you must construct it to be that way and not just assume that people will automatically understand you and will automatically follow you. You may have to do some persuasion on your part. • What are fallacies? How are fallacies used in written, oral...
Words: 488 - Pages: 2
...Assumptions and Fallacies HUM/111, Professor Jennifer Morin 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 beliefs or ideas of something with no proof of evidence. Assumptions interfere with our critical thinking because we aren’t utilizing our skills to our best knowledge. It hinders individuals to think critical because we have that perpetual block that stops us from looking at every angle of the equation. We allow our assumptions to take direction instead of preventing and looking at the situation to choose the truth about the situation. In order to avoid using assumptions we need to examine all evidence to make our argument valid. Also we need to be more open minded to different situations and solutions instead of just assuming the outcome or reason. Furthermore, we need to stop assuming and start asking the right questions and by doing so we can think critically without our bias ideas opinions in a situation. Assuming in anything can be potential hazardous not just in critical thinking. 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 defined as a mistaken belief and based on an illogical argument. Fallacies are used in many things we see or hear. Fallacies are glorified fabrications of the truth. They are used in writing to get the reader...
Words: 393 - Pages: 2
...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? • What are fallacies? How are fallacies used in written, oral, and visual arguments? What might you do to avoid fallacies in your thinking? Cite and reference any sourced material consistent with Associate Level Writing Style Handbook guidelines. Assumptions are beliefs or ideas of something with no proof of evidence. Assumptions interfere with our critical thinking because we aren’t utilizing our skills to our best knowledge. It hinders individuals to think critical because we have that perpetual block that stops us from looking at every angle of the equation. We allow our assumptions to take direction instead of preventing and looking at the situation to choose the truth about the situation. In order to avoid using assumptions we need to examine all evidence to make our argument valid. Also we need to be more open minded to different situations and solutions instead of just assuming the outcome or reason. Furthermore, we need to stop assuming and start asking the right questions and by doing so we can think critically without our bias ideas opinions in a situation. Assuming in anything can be potential hazardous not just in critical thinking. Fallacies are defined as a mistaken...
Words: 355 - Pages: 2
...Assumptions and Fallacies Malaea Sauvao HUM/111 August 12, 2012 Maureen Frye Assumptions and Fallacies Assumptions are our beliefs that may or may not be true. I think when we made assumptions we are basically more like guessing instead of researching the information if it is based on facts or more like our own beliefs. This is where assumptions get interfere with critical thinking because it will become a wall that blocks us from evaluating a situation or problem and issues from every angle or an equation. Instead of viewing it critically we would just make assumptions and move on. For me to avoid making assumptions in my thinking I would have to be open minded to all different solutions instead of assuming the results or an outcome. I would also have to stop assuming but do more research and ask the right question and not to be bias at the same time. Learn to examine all evidence in order to make a valid argument to improve my critical thinking. According to Paul and Elder (2008), “fallacies can be pursued in at least two different ways. One defines, explains, and exemplifies ways in which unsound arguments can be made to appear sound. Or it can be approached deeply, in which case one relates the construction of fallacies to pursuit of human interests and irrational desires.” In other words fallacies are like mistaken beliefs based on unsound arguments. It is like tricking the reader to just focus on the topic without using their reasoning or logic. So it is a...
Words: 332 - Pages: 2
...Assumptions and Fallacies 1.) An assumption is something you believe to be true without having proof that it is. Making an assumption is when there is not a solid basis to determine its factuality on. It is something we have determined without evaluating all of the facts and we come to a conclusion that may be not well thought out. An assumption can interfere with critical thinking by altering how we evaluate situations. We may avoid thoroughly thinking something through because we have already assumed certain things about the situation. We should try to be clear and concise and ask open questions in order to clarify a situation and listen to every aspect of it before making a decision. We have to remember not everyone is as excited about things just because we are. Also realizing that if there are imperfections in our ideas not everyone will necessarily accept it anyways. Using critical thinking before coming to a conclusion on a situation is the best idea to avoid making assumptions. 2.) Fallacies are beliefs that form a thought on that something is true when it is not true. It is something that may appear good and look how we want it to but it is false and deceptive. It is made to look a certain way under false pretenses. The arguments for fallacies are unsound and distort reality. They are misrepresentations of the truth or of a situation. Fallacies are used in written, oral, and visual arguments to draw people in. They will make it appeal to the audiences senses because...
Words: 338 - Pages: 2
