Asking the Right Questions, A Guide to Critical Thinking, 8th Ed

68 Chapter 5
Summary
Assumptions are unstated ideas, taken for granted in the reasoning. Within
the context of social controversies, they consist of a preference for one value
over another in a particular context. The author's background, reaction to
projected consequences of acting on a particular value assumption, analogous
controversies, and reverse role-playing all provide possible clues for finding a
person's value assumptions in a particular controversy.
Practice Exercises
(j)
Critical Question: What are the value conflicts and assumptions?
Identify the value conflicts that could lead to agreement or disagreement with
the following points of view; then identify the value priorities assumed by
the writer.
Passage 1
Sometimes it is not always best to be completely honest. Some conclusions are better
left unsaid. For instance, if you are talking to a friend and he asks for your
opinion about something, the truth should be avoided if there is no way to deliver
it without harming the relationship.
The truth is not always necessary. If you were a doctor and you had to give
your patient bad health news, then it is important to maintain honesty.
However sometimes, in the case of friendship, the honesty may need some
buffering.
Passage 2
Graffiti should be considered art. It seems that a lot of people associate graffiti with
gang related activities, but that linkage is not always true. Graffiti is an expression
of art, just as any other work by recognized artists: the canvas is just different. When
graffiti damages property there is a problem, but if there were designated places
for this art, then the people who are creating it would be less likely to deface the
property of others.
Passage 3
Eating healthy is important. Doctors and physical fitness advisors tell you about
all the advantages of health foods. Then why are these foods so expensive? Companies
selling these foods are raising prices for simple things such as fruits and
vegetables. Six dollars for a bag of salad should be an indicator that the prices are