Consider the argument and decide which of the given assumptions is/are implicit. Argument: Due to potholes in the city a large number of people are unable to reach the airport on time. Assumptions: 1. Reaching the airport on time is not necessary. 2. There is no other route to the airport.
Only assumption 2 is implicit
Let's break down the argument and carefully analyse the assumptions provided to determine which one is implicit. The argument talks about a problem related to reaching the airport on time due to potholes in the city.
Understanding the Argument on Potholes and Airport Delays
The argument states: "Due to potholes in the city a large number of people are unable to reach the airport on time."
This statement presents a cause-and-effect relationship: Potholes (cause) lead to people being unable to reach the airport on time (effect). The argument highlights this inability as a significant issue affecting "a large number of people."
Evaluating the Assumptions for Implicit Meaning
An implicit assumption is something that is not explicitly stated but is understood to be true for the argument to hold. Let's look at each assumption:
Assumption 1: Reaching the airport on time is not necessary.
If reaching the airport on time were not necessary, then people being delayed due to potholes wouldn't be presented as a problem. The very fact that the argument is made suggests that being on time is important. Therefore, this assumption contradicts the premise of the argument rather than being implicit in it.
Assumption 2: There is no other route to the airport.
The argument attributes the delays primarily to the potholes. If there were multiple alternative routes to the airport that were free of potholes and equally convenient, then the presence of potholes on one route would not cause "a large number of people" to be unable to reach the airport on time. People would simply use the other routes. For the potholes to be the main reason for delays for a large number of people, it is implicitly assumed that either the route with potholes is the only feasible one, or alternative routes are also affected, less convenient, or unavailable for a significant portion of people trying to reach the airport on time. Thus, the argument implicitly relies on the idea that the potholes on the affected route are a major impediment, suggesting the lack of viable alternatives for many.
Conclusion on Implicit Assumptions
Based on the analysis:
- Assumption 1 contradicts the idea that delays due to potholes are a problem, so it is not implicit.
- Assumption 2 supports the reason why potholes on a particular route would cause widespread delays for people trying to reach the airport on time, suggesting it is implicitly assumed there isn't a readily available alternative route for many.
Therefore, only assumption 2 is implicit in the argument.
| Assumption | Analysis | Is it Implicit? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Reaching the airport on time is not necessary. | Contradicts the argument which frames delay as a problem. | No |
| 2. There is no other route to the airport. | Supports why potholes on one route cause delays for many people reaching the airport. Implies affected route is primary or only viable option. | Yes |
Revision Table: Argument and Assumption Analysis
Understanding how arguments work and identifying underlying assumptions is crucial for logical reasoning sections in exams. Here is a quick revision point:
- An implicit assumption is something the author believes to be true when making the argument, even if they don't state it directly.
- To find implicit assumptions, think about what *must* be true for the argument to be valid or for the conclusion to follow from the premise(s).
- Consider if the argument still makes sense if the assumption is false. If it doesn't make sense or is weakened, the assumption is likely implicit.
Additional Information: Importance of Logical Reasoning
Questions involving arguments and assumptions test your critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. These skills are essential for analyzing information and making sound judgments. When evaluating an argument, always consider:
- What is the main point being made (the conclusion)?
- What evidence or reasons are given to support the main point (the premises)?
- What unstated beliefs or facts are necessary for the premises to logically lead to the conclusion (the assumptions)?
Mastering the identification of implicit assumptions helps in understanding the complete picture behind a statement or argument.
Similar Questions
Given below is a statement followed by two assumption numbered I and II. You have to decide which of the assumptions is/are implicit in the statement.
Statement : The human body produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Assumption I: The human body will have Vitamin D even if it is not consumed via food.
Assumption II: A large portion of the global population suffers from Vitamin D deficiency.Consider the given argument and decide which of the given assumptions is (are) implicit.
Argument:
A government servant sitting idle tells a visitor to come after 2 weeks to get this certificate attested, as he is very busy and have a lot of work.
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Argument:
In City X, people prefer to buy Honda bikes instead of Bajaj, as Honda Company brings in Japanese technology.
Assumptions:
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2. Bikes with Japanese technology are preferred to other bikes in City X.
Consider the given statement to be true and decide which of the assumptions is implicit from the statement.
Statement:
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Consider the given statement to be true and decide which of the following assumptions is/are implicit in the statement.
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A teacher tells a student, “if you don’t finish your homework, you will not be allowed into the class”.
Assumptions:
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Consider the argument and decide which of the given assumptions is/are implicit.
Argument:
Alexander the Great was mortal.
Assumption:
1. Alexander the Great was human.
2. Alexander the Great was Greek.Consider the given argument and decide which of the given assumptions is (are) implicit.
Argument:
Due to the water crisis in the city, the authority had asked all the citizens to reduce their water consumption by 25%.
Assumptions:
1. Many citizens may reduce their water consumption.
2. Many activists may protest to this advisory by the authority.
Consider the given statement and decide which of the given assumption(s) is (are) implicit.
Statement:
Shyam tells Gita, “The ways to reach Sri Lanka is through air and water”.
Assumptions:
1. Gita likes to travel to Sri Lanka.
2. Shyam is fond of advising people.
Important Questions from Statements and Assumptions
You have to decide which of these assumptions is/are implicit in the statement, considering the statement and the assumptions that follow it.
Statement:
I like the soldiers.
I want to become a soldier.
Assumptions:
I) I am not a soldier.
II) I am a soldier.
Read the following passages and answer the question follows. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.
Many people in India feel that if we cut our defence expenditure on weapon-building, we can create a climate of peace with our neighbours, subsequently reducing the conflict or creating a no-war situation. People who proclaim such ideas are either the victims of war or the propagators of false argument.
With reference to the above passage, which of the following is the most valid assumption?
Consider the given statement and decide which of the given assumptions is (are) implicit.
Statement :
“Successful people are happy in life."
Assumptions :
1. Those that are unhappy are not successful
2. Most of the times success in one’s endeavours gives happiness.
In this question, a statement is followed by two assumptions:
Statements: Though he is fat yet he runs fast.
Assumptions:
I. Fat people have weak muscles.
II. Fat people generally cannot run fast.
Then which of the answer is correct?
Consider the given statement and decide which of the given assumptions is implicit in the statement.
Statement:
Television is correctly called the Idiot box.
Assumptions:
1. People who watch television are idiots.
2. People who do not watch television are intelligent.
