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Understanding Assumptions

To some extent, it’s unavoidable to have beliefs based on gut feelings or on blind acceptance of something we’ve heard or read. Sometimes, these assumptions should be examined more thoughtfully, especially if they will influence an important decision or serve as the foundation for an argument:

What are the assumptions behind the opposition’s arguments?
What assumptions are behind the arguments that you made?
How could you and your neighbors use critical thinking to strengthen your own arguments and to respond to those of the opposition?
What facts support the assumptions and arguments on both sides?
Are there exaggerations on both sides?
Do you detect the use of any logical fallacies on either side?
How can you evaluate the facts?
If your goal is to ban soft drinks from schools in your community and to address childhood obesity, what additional evidence do you need to gather, and what are the next steps you need to take?

As this scenario suggests, well-meaning people may often disagree. It’s important to listen to both sides of an argument before making up your mind. If you hang on to the guidelines in this chapter, we can’t promise your classes will be easier or that you’ll solve community problems, but you will be better equipped to handle them. You have the skills to use critical thinking to figure things out instead of depending only on how you feel or what you’ve heard. As you listen to a lecture, a political debate, or an argument about what is in the public’s best interest, try to predict where it is heading and why. Ask yourself whether you have enough information to justify what you have heard.