Critical Thinking
Value Conflicts &
Assumptions
Our questions so far:
1. What is the main issue?
2. What is the conclusion?
3. What are the reasons?
4. What words or phrases are ambiguous?
When making an argument, speakers and writers
always take certain things for granted1.
1take
something for granted – accept, assume to be true
(usually without stating it explicitly)
You will need to find and understand these ideas by
“reading between the lines”2.
You must learn how to read between the lines, otherwise
you won’t completely understand the argument – and might
even accept a conclusion that you don’t really believe!
between the lines – figure out the meaning (from a statement or
situation), even though the meaning has not been clearly stated.
2read
Assumptions
Assume – To accept, take for granted, suppose
something to be true – without proof.
In an argument, assumptions are typically hidden.
Because they are hidden, they can be deceptive!
As a result, they can influence the conclusion.
Where should I look for assumptions?
Reasons are used to support the conclusion.
So, look for assumptions that:
1. Are necessary for a reason to be true.
2. Provide a logical “link” between the reasons and
the conclusion.
Value Conflicts
Values are ideas that people think are worthwhile.
For example, someone might say:
I value the the sanctity of life.
I value hard work and the freedom to reach my goals.
I value peace and harmony between nations.
Value Conflicts
For our purposes, values are related to
abstract1 ideas, not concrete things.
These ideas influence our daily lives in
significant ways – the choices we make, our
behavior, our ways of thinking, etc.
– existing in thought or as an idea but not having a
physical or concrete existence: abstract concepts such as love
or beauty.
1abstract
Value Conflicts
Value conflicts occur when people have different
opinions due to different ways of looking at life.
Remember when we discussed biases, and how
they can affect our view of other people’s
opinions?
Value Conflicts
Biases – and ultimately, value conflicts – are
influenced by things such as:
1. Our personal experiences
2. Social status / upbringing
3. Educational level
4. Culture
Example
The police need to punish people who litter1. People are
not acting responsibly on their own to follow the law.
Consequently, the police must do something. How
will things gets better if the police don’t enforce the
law?
1Litter
– verb to throw garbage, trash, rubbish on the ground
Value Conflicts
Value conflicts occur not only between different
people, but within ourselves.
Loyalty vs. Honesty
Individual Responsibility vs. Collective Responsibility
Competition vs. Cooperation
Example
Sometimes it’s best to be faithful to a friend. I saw a
classmate cheating during an exam. The teacher
didn’t see him. If I tell the teacher, my classmate
will be punished. He could fail the course, or even
get thrown out of school. Anyway, who is really hurt
by his behavior? My classmate will be my friend for
life, so I need to protect him. I think it’s best if I say
nothing to the teacher. I’ll just tell my friend to
study harder and not cheat anymore.