Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions: Statement: “Whenever you have any doubt on this subject, you may refer to the book by Enn and Enn.” Assumptions: I. The book by Enn and Enn is available for consultation. II. There is no other book on this subject.
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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: Only assumption I is implicit
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Advice about reference material typically presupposes availability and usefulness. The speaker suggests consulting a specific book whenever doubt arises. We must extract the necessary assumptions for this advice to be meaningful.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Directive: Refer to the book by Enn and Enn when in doubt.
- Assumption I: The book is accessible (in library, store, or personal copy).
- Assumption II: No other book exists on the subject.
Concept / Approach:For the recommendation to work, the referenced book must be obtainable; otherwise the advice is futile. However, exclusivity is not necessary: the book can be recommended even if many other books exist.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Check I with negation: If the book is unavailable, the advice becomes impractical. Therefore I is necessary.Check II with negation: Even if other books exist, the advice can still prefer the Enn and Enn book for clarity or depth; exclusivity is not required.Hence, only Assumption I is implicit.Verification / Alternative check:Consider that academic recommendations usually highlight a reliable source among many, not necessarily the only one. The instruction “you may refer to …” signals permissive guidance, not exclusivity.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Only II / Either / Both: Incorrect because the existence of alternatives does not weaken the advice.
- Neither: Overlooks the necessity of availability.
Common Pitfalls:Equating “refer to X” with “refer only to X,” and forgetting that availability is the critical practical assumption.
Final Answer:Only assumption I is implicit