Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “In the recently imposed war, global public opinion was dishonoured by the economically strong and scientifically advanced superpower.” Which of the following assumptions are implicit in the above statement?

Introduction / Context:
This critical-reasoning item asks you to identify the hidden assumptions behind a comment about a war. The speaker claims that global public opinion was “dishonoured” by a powerful superpower. We must infer what beliefs must be true for the statement to make sense.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• I: Superpowers need not take any heed of global public opinion.
• II: Global public opinion must have been against the imposition of war.

Concept / Approach:
An assumption is an unstated idea that the author takes for granted. To test assumptions, use the negation test: if the assumption is false, the original claim becomes weakened or pointless.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) The word “dishonoured” implies that the superpower disregarded or violated what the global public believed or wanted. For that criticism to be meaningful, global opinion must have been opposed to the war (assumption II).2) The statement also presumes that the superpower acted unilaterally or without adequate regard for global opinion—essentially, that it felt free to ignore it (assumption I).3) If II were false (global opinion favored the war), there would be nothing to “dishonour.”4) If I were false (superpowers must heed global opinion), then ignoring it would be impossible or abnormal, undercutting the claim of dishonour by routine behavior.

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace “dishonoured” with “followed.” The sentence would then imply alignment with opinion, contradicting the original tone. This confirms that both assumptions—opposition (II) and disregard (I)—underpin the claim.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only I or only II: The criticism requires both disregard and an opposed public.
• Either I or II: Not interchangeable; both are necessary.
• Neither: Would make “dishonoured” baseless.

Common Pitfalls:
Do not treat “dishonoured” as mere “not consulted.” It carries a value judgment that presumes public opposition and deliberate neglect.

Final Answer:
Both I and II are implicit