Sometimes we may find it more difficult to identify the assumptions underlying our own
reasoning than to identify the assumptions upon which others are relying. This exercise
aims to make you more aware that there may be unstated beliefs in your own reasoning
which others would wish to challenge. Suppose, for example, you were to say that the
police force should devote more of their time to patrolling on foot in rural areas and
suburbs, and, as your reason for believing this, you said that crime has increased in these
areas. Someone may point out to you that you are assuming that the presence of policemen
on the streets and country lanes can deter potential criminals from committing crimes.
Work with a partner for this exercise. From the following list, choose a statement with
which you agree, and give your partner just one reason why you believe this. Your partner
must then try to identify any unstated assumptions upon which your view depends.
1 The ban on smoking in public places is a good thing.
2 Boxing is a barbaric activity.
3 Fox hunting should not have been made illegal.
4 Coarse fishing is a pointless pastime.
5 The older one gets, the wiser one becomes.
6 Newly qualified drivers should not be allowed to drive on motorways.
7 The pattern of family life has changed in recent years.
8 Schools should be required to provide sex education.
9 Too many new motorways are being built.
10 It was a good idea to set up the National Lottery.
You can continue this exercise choosing your own topics. Choose something which is of
general interest, but about which you know people tend to disagree.
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