Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Assumptions are ideas or beliefs taken for granted without sufficient evidence or proof. They serve as the foundation for arguments but may be flawed if not properly examined.
Related terms
Inference: Inferences are logical conclusions drawn from available evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements. They rely on assumptions made by the reader.
Presupposition: A presupposition is an underlying belief assumed to be true in order for a statement or argument to make sense. It influences how we interpret communication.
Fallacies are errors in reasoning that occur due to faulty assumptions, leading to invalid arguments. Recognizing fallacies helps identify weak points in an argument.