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 perfect tool for persuasion or written, oral and visual arguments because you can use it to sway your audience to your point of view. I think for me to avoid fallacies in my thinking is to check and research the information presented or use critical thinking strategies that I learned in this course to avoid it.

References
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2008). The Thinker's Guide.