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 they might be accurate, stereotypes are reductive and can cloud your judgment.
• Base your judgments only on the most apparent facts. This is the most logical way of doing things, and it'll stop you from make false assumptions altogether.”
How to Stop Making False Assumptions | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2317457_stop-making-false-assumptions.html#ixzz2QLpgLpcv
