Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement: “This book is prepared so that even a layman can study science in the absence of a teacher.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. A layman wishes to study science without a teacher. II. A teacher may not always be available to teach science. III. A layman generally finds it difficult to learn science on his or her own.
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AOnly I and II are implicit
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BOnly II and III are implicit
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COnly I and III are implicit
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DAll are implicit
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: Only II and III are implicit
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The publisher claims a book enables “even a layman” to learn science without a teacher. Such wording typically signals a self-study design that removes barriers for beginners. We must isolate which hidden assumptions are necessary for this claim to make sense.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- A self-instructional science book is promoted.
- I: Laypersons desire to study science without teachers.
- II: Teachers are not always available, so independent learning materials are valuable.
- III: Laypersons usually find self-learning of science difficult; the book is engineered to overcome that difficulty.
Concept / Approach:Use the negation test and minimal-necessity principle. The statement is about capability and accessibility, not about whether a specific layman already “wishes” to study. It presumes teacher unavailability may occur and that typical lay readers need special scaffolding to learn science effectively.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Negate II: If teachers were always available, stressing “in the absence of a teacher” would be redundant. Hence II is necessary.Negate III: If laypersons generally had no difficulty learning science alone, emphasizing “even a layman” and special preparation would be meaningless. Thus III is necessary.Assess I: The statement does not require that a given layperson desires to study. The book merely enables that possibility if someone chooses to use it. Hence I is not necessary.Verification / Alternative check:Self-study resources target an audience that might lack access to teachers and may need simplified, structured content—exactly II and III.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Only I and II / Only I and III / All: Each wrongly treats a specific “wish to study” as required.
- None of these: Incorrect because II and III are clearly implied.
Common Pitfalls:Equating “can study” with “wants to study”; conflating capability statements with desire statements.
Final Answer:Only II and III are implicit