Critical Reasoning — Implicit Assumptions Remark by a college student: “Everyone desires to buy a personal computer.” Assumptions to test: I. Personal computers are not a need but a luxury. II. Using personal computers improves the quality of skill.
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AOnly assumption I is implicit
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BOnly assumption II is implicit
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CEither I or II is implicit
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DNeither I nor II is implicit
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EBoth I and II are implicit
Answer
Correct Answer: Neither I nor II is implicit
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The student makes a broad claim about desire to own PCs. We examine whether this statement requires assuming anything about luxury status or skill improvement.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Main claim: universal desire to buy a PC.
- Assumption I: PCs are a luxury rather than a need.
- Assumption II: PC use improves skill quality.
Concept / Approach:A statement about desire does not require claims about necessity/luxury or about outcomes from use. People may desire items for multiple reasons (status, entertainment, study), and the speaker need not assume a specific justification.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) The claim “everyone desires” is about preference, not classification of PCs as luxury or need. I is not necessary.2) The claim does not hinge on PC's effect on skills. Desire can exist without any skill-related expectation. II is not necessary.Verification / Alternative check:Negate I and II; the desire claim could still be uttered (rightly or wrongly). Thus neither assumption is required for the statement to be meaningful.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Any option including I or II adds a rationale not demanded by the bare assertion of desire.
Common Pitfalls:Reading reasons into a preference claim. The statement sketches breadth of desire, not reasons.
Final Answer:Neither I nor II is implicit