Implicit Premises
Nature and Definition of Implicit Premises
An implicit premise, often referred to as a hidden premise or unstated assumption, is a critical component of many arguments. These premises are propositions that the argument relies upon but does not explicitly articulate. They play a vital role in the reasoning process by filling in gaps that are left unspoken, which helps to connect the explicit premises to the conclusion.
Based on Common Knowledge: Implicit premises often rely on facts or truths that are generally accepted and assumed to be known by virtually everyone. This includes basic truths such as "the sun rises in the east". These elements of common knowledge serve as a foundation for arguments because they are unlikely to be contested, allowing the argument to proceed without needing to state the obvious.
Grounded in Shared Beliefs: These premises also draw on cultural norms, societal values, or collective experiences that are presumed to be shared among the audience. For example, assumptions about the importance of freedom or democracy might be unstated when discussing political systems in certain cultural contexts.
Contextually Understood: Implicit premises can be based on information that is relevant to the specific context of the argument. This context-specific understanding assumes that the audience can infer what is not explicitly stated based on the situation or topic at hand. For instance, in a discussion about climate change, it might be implicitly assumed that the audience is aware of the basic science behind global warming.
By leveraging these unstated assumptions, arguments can be more concise and efficient. Communicators can convey complex ideas without needing to spell out every detail, trusting that the audience has the background knowledge necessary to fill in the gaps. This approach not only streamlines communication but also engages the audience by relying on their ability to make inferences, thereby creating a more interactive and dynamic exchange of ideas. However, it's crucial for the arguer to ensure that these implicit premises are indeed shared by the audience, as any misunderstanding or disagreement about these assumptions can undermine the argument's effectiveness.
Detecting and Analyzing Implicit Premises
Identifying implicit premises is essential for evaluating the strength and validity of an argument. Here are methods to detect and analyze them:
Identify the Conclusion and Stated Premises: Begin by clearly identifying what the argument seeks to prove and listing all the premises that are explicitly stated. This step sets the foundation for understanding the argument structure.
Look for Logical Gaps: Once you have the explicit premises and conclusion, analyze the logical flow. If there's a disconnection or gap, an implicit premise is likely filling this space. An implicit premise acts as a bridge that logically connects the explicit premises to the conclusion, ensuring a coherent argument.
Consider the Context: The broader context in which the argument is presented can offer valuable insights into any unstated assumptions. Contextual clues might indicate what the arguer takes for granted and what additional premises could be assumed by the audience.
Apply the Principle of Charity: To avoid misinterpretation, apply the principle of charity by assuming the argument is logical and rational. This involves supplying the most reasonable implicit premises that would make the argument valid.
Avoid Straw Man Fallacies: When analyzing arguments, ensure not to attribute weak or unreasonable implicit premises that could unfairly weaken the argument. This involves recognizing potential biases in your interpretation and avoiding misrepresentations that could lead to fallacious conclusions.
Challenges in Identifying Implicit Premises
Cultural Biases
Cultural norms and societal expectations can deeply influence our cognitive frameworks, leading to certain assumptions becoming so ingrained they are perceived as natural or self-evident. This makes implicit premises difficult to recognize because they are filtered through these cultural lenses. Within a culture, assumptions about gender roles, social hierarchies, or ethical values may go unquestioned. For example, the belief that certain jobs are more suitable for men or women can affect how arguments about career choices are formed and perceived. This can lead to arguments where implicit premises are based on these culturally ingrained beliefs, making them hard to identify and challenge.
Personal Beliefs
Personal experiences and deeply held beliefs can act as blinders, making it difficult for individuals to see their own unstated assumptions. These biases can lead to the formation of arguments with implicit premises that are not immediately apparent to the arguer. Confirmation bias, for example, is the tendency to seek out and give preference to information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs. It can reinforce implicit premises by making them appear more obvious or valid than they actually are. This bias can prevent individuals from questioning their assumptions, thereby making implicit premises harder to identify and address.
Attribution Errors
When premises are not explicitly stated, there is a risk that others may infer assumptions that the original arguer did not intend. This can lead to misunderstandings and result in the audience deriving meanings that the arguer never meant to convey. Misattributed assumptions can lead to communication breakdowns where participants in a discussion may end up talking past each other. Different interpretations of the starting points of an argument can cause the dialogue to veer off course, hindering effective communication and mutual understanding.
Last updated