Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions: Statement: “Believe me, I have read it in newspaper X.” Assumptions: I. Newspaper X provides reliable information. II. I am reporting the content exactly as it appeared in newspaper X.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Both I and II are implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a credibility-based argument: the speaker asks to be believed because the claim appeared in a specific newspaper. To decide which assumptions are implicit, we analyze what must be true for the appeal to authority (the newspaper) to persuade the listener.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The speaker cites newspaper X as the source.
  • Assumption I: Newspaper X is trustworthy and accurate.
  • Assumption II: The speaker is conveying the report faithfully (no misquotation, distortion, or omission).


Concept / Approach:
For a source-based appeal to work, two links must hold: the source must be reliable, and the messenger must transmit the information accurately. If either link breaks, the exhortation “Believe me” loses force.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Link 1 (source reliability): If newspaper X is unreliable, citing it does not add credibility → Assumption I is necessary.Link 2 (faithful reporting): If the speaker misreports or misremembers, the citation cannot justify belief in the specific claim → Assumption II is necessary.Thus, both assumptions are required for the argument to be persuasive.


Verification / Alternative check:
Negate I: If newspaper X is notorious for inaccuracies, “Believe me, it was in X” fails as a reason. Negate II: If the speaker paraphrases incorrectly, the actual content of X does not support the stated claim. In both negations, the argument collapses.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only I or Only II: Each ignores the other essential link in the credibility chain.
  • Either / Neither: An appeal to authority needs both a credible authority and accurate transmission.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming the source’s name alone guarantees correctness, or forgetting that misquoting can invalidate otherwise reliable sources.



Final Answer:
Both I and II are implicit

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