Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “How is it that the village is not shown in this so-called official map of this district?” Identify which assumptions the speaker must be making.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Both I and II are implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The speaker challenges a map by calling it a “so-called official map” and asking why a village is missing. We must uncover the necessary assumptions that give force to this challenge.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • I: The official district map is expected to show all the villages of that district.
  • II: This is not an authentic and official map.


Concept / Approach:
Questions that challenge credibility typically rest on two pillars: (a) a standard that has been violated, and (b) doubt that the artifact meets its claimed status. Apply the negation test for each assumption.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) If an “official district map” is supposed to include every village, then not showing a village is a significant omission. Hence, assumption I must be true for the criticism to carry weight.2) By calling it “so-called official,” the speaker suggests suspicion regarding its authenticity. That suspicion is itself an assumption (II): it may not be a genuine official map.3) Negate I: If official maps need not show all villages, the absence is not necessarily an error, weakening the challenge.4) Negate II: If the map certainly is official, the phrasing “so-called” loses its purpose.


Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine two scenarios: (a) the map is truly official but incomplete against its own standard—still questionable; (b) the map is not official at all—then the doubt is justified. The speaker’s wording presupposes both the standard (I) and doubts about status (II).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only I or only II: The statement communicates both an expectation about content and skepticism about authenticity.
  • Either I or II: Both are jointly suggested, not alternatives.
  • Neither: Would make the complaint incoherent.


Common Pitfalls:
Do not confuse inference with assumption. Here, the suspicion (“so-called”) functions as an assumption of inauthenticity.


Final Answer:
Both I and II are implicit

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