Hypothetical Reasoning & Assumptions

Hypothetical Reasoning & Assumptions © www.TeachCriticalThinking.com 2010

Assessing and Developing ArgumentHypothetical Reasoning and AssumptionsTextbook references are from the OCR AS book (Jo Lally) Lesson Objectives Review Argument structures To understand how to identify hypothetical claims and reasoning. To be able to clarify any assumptions ‘made’ in a passage.

Homework Review/ Starter Your homework was: Write 5 simple arguments. • 3 x simple with one reason • 1 each with 2 & 3 reasons. Homework review & lesson starter: For your partner’s 5 arguments identify the reason(s) and the conclusion.

Claims • A claim is a statement or judgement that can be challenged. • Claims can be: • Facts • Opinions • A statement of principle • Reasons and conclusions are claims

Hypothetical Reasoning • A Hypothetical claim is a statement in the form: • If this happens, then that will happen.’ • “If I stay up late, then I will be tired in the morning.”

Hypothetical Reasoning • A hypothetical claim can be used as a reason or a conclusion. • Hypothetical reasoning examines the consequences that might arise if something were the case. • Remember in the exam to include both the “If…” and “then…” parts. • Be careful – the examiners sometimes phrase the passage so that the “then” word is missing!

Hypothetical Reasoning Complete the following to make them into hypothetical reasons: • If you do not complete your homework … • If she works hard at school … • If he receives a text … • If mum finds out …

Hypothetical reasoning • Read & discuss Activity 8 page 23. • Identify the hypothetical reasoning in each of the three passages in Activity 9 page 24.

Activity • List all of the argument elements we have covered so far. • Now write a simple argument which includes all of these elements. Base your argument around the school canteen. 5 mins to write 5 mins to share 3 mins to improve

Assumptions • An Assumption is an Unstated Reason without which the conclusion can not be drawn. • Learn this definition • An Assumption is essential for the conclusion to be drawn – the author accepts it to be true. • An Assumption is never included in the author’s passage. • The conclusion will NOT work if the assumption were not true.

Simple Assumptions • It is raining outside therefore you should not go out. Identify some assumptions in the argument above. Extension: Use the ‘Negative test’ or ‘Reverse test’ to see if they are correct. Hypothetical reasoning?

Simple Assumptions • John has a history of criminal behaviour. • A purse was stolen at the party. • John was at the party. • John stole the purse. Identify some assumptions in the argument above. Extension: Use the ‘Negative test’ or ‘Reverse test’ to see if they are correct.

Simple Assumptions • I voted Conservative. • The Conservatives are in Power. • I am therefore happy. Identify some assumptions in the argument above. Extension: Use the ‘Negative test’ or ‘Reverse test’ to see if they are correct.

Simple Assumptions • School canteen food is inexpensive • It is of good quality • They sell salads • You should eat there Identify some assumptions in the argument above. Extension: Use the ‘Negative test’ or ‘Reverse test’ to see if they are correct.

Simple Assumptions • Freddie was marked present during morning registration. • He is not in my lesson period 1. • Therefore Freddie is truanting. Identify some assumptions in the argument above. Extension: Use the ‘Negative test’ or ‘Reverse test’ to see if they are correct.

Assumptions • Read through pages 25 – 27. (5 mins) • Discuss the pause for thought on page 28 with your partner. • Identify an assumption made for the two arguments in activity 10. • Rewrite the arguments in activity 10 in standard argument format and include your assumption as a ‘new’ reason. • Now read the passage at the bottom of page 28 (Oxford and Cambridge graduates) and identify the conclusion. Repeat for the passage on page 29 (Met office). • Now do Activity 11 on page 30. • Finally try the exam question – Activity 12 page 32.

Assumptions - Homework • Formulating Assumptions and the Reverse/ Negative Test. • Read through pages 32 – 37 and answer activities 13 & 14.

Assessing and Developing ArgumentHypothetical Reasoning and Assumptions Reviewing the Lesson Objectives Review Argument structures To understand how to identify hypothetical claims and reasoning. To be able to clarify any assumptions ‘made’ in a passage.

Hypothetical Reasoning & Assumptions