key term - Assertion vs. Presumption

Definition

Assertion refers to a confident statement or declaration about something, which presents information as a fact, while presumption involves taking something for granted or assuming it to be true without conclusive evidence. Understanding these two concepts is essential, as assertions can be evaluated for their truth value, whereas presumptions often serve as background assumptions that inform how we interpret statements and actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Assertions can be either true or false and are often evaluated in terms of their validity or accuracy.
2. Presumptions do not carry the same weight as assertions; they are often unexamined beliefs that influence how we process information.
3. In many cases, an assertion can challenge or confirm a presumption, leading to shifts in understanding or interpretation.
4. Understanding the difference between assertion and presumption is crucial in analyzing arguments and discussions, as it helps identify underlying assumptions.
5. Assertions can be explicit in language, while presumptions might be implicit, affecting the dynamics of communication and reasoning.

Review Questions

• How do assertions function in communication, and what role do they play in shaping understanding?
  • Assertions function as clear statements that convey information, providing a basis for discussion and analysis. They establish claims that can be evaluated for truth value, influencing how listeners perceive the speaker's message. By presenting information confidently, assertions can challenge existing beliefs or confirm them, making them a key tool in effective communication.
• Discuss how presumptions can affect the interpretation of assertions in a conversation.
  • Presumptions can significantly shape the interpretation of assertions by providing a context within which statements are understood. When a speaker makes an assertion, the listener's background assumptions may influence how they interpret that assertion, sometimes leading to misunderstandings. These unexamined beliefs guide reactions and responses, illustrating the importance of awareness of presumptions in dialogue.
• Evaluate the implications of misunderstanding the distinction between assertion and presumption in argumentation.
  • Misunderstanding the distinction between assertion and presumption can lead to flawed reasoning and ineffective communication in arguments. If one fails to recognize a presumption underlying an opponent's assertion, they may engage with the assertion as if it were universally accepted truth. This can result in misinterpretations and weakened arguments, ultimately detracting from productive discourse. Therefore, clarity around these concepts enhances critical thinking and strengthens argumentative strategies.

Related terms

Inference:

The process of drawing conclusions from premises or evidence, often based on the presupposed context or background knowledge.

Entailment:

A relationship between statements where one statement necessarily follows from another, often used in evaluating the implications of assertions.

Contextual Presupposition: Assumptions that speakers and listeners share based on the context of the conversation, which can influence how assertions are interpreted.