chapter 5: assumptions: what's taken for granted?

chapter 5 summary

1. an assumption is something we take for granted, something we accept prematurely as being true, something we do not check our carefully. often, we do not recognize that we have made an assumption until it causes a problem for us.

2. assumption can be conscious or unconscious, warranted or unwarranted. unconscious and unwarranted assumption can lead to faulty reasoning, whereas conscious and warranted assumptions can be useful tools for problem solving. we need to recognize the difference.

3. hidden assumption are unconscious assumptions that greatly influence a line of reasoning. one form of hidden assumptions is stereotypes, where we try to fit new experiences into old or prejudiced categories. another type is value assumptions, or basic unexamined beliefs that unconsciously influence our thinking.

4. arguments are the use of reasoning to defend an idea or to persuade someone else to believe in the idea. good arguments do not rest upon unexamined assumptions.

5. we perceive incongruities when we observe situations that do not meet our expectations or assumptions.

6. someone who brings a fresh perspective to a problem that has stumped others is often able to find a solution because he or she does not buy the assumptions when we are confronted with a problem to solve.