1. Identifying the claim is the first thing to do in analyzing arguments. To identify the claim in an
argument you have to
Answers
Explanation:
Sometimes an argument will have an unstated or suppressed premise, rather than stating something outright. Consider this highly unscientific poll conducted by a TV news station. “Which do you believe politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is most out of touch with: illegal immigration, border security, or the American people?” The pollster is operating as if it is unquestionable that Ocasio-Cortez is out of touch with something. In other words, the question presupposes that she is “out of touch.” However, this unstated premise is debatable once it is brought out into the open. Is she in fact out of touch at all?
A listener or reader who is not alert to such unstated or suppressed premises is, without realizing it, agreeing to debate on the communicator’s terms—when those terms may be unfair. In fact, on more complex or serious issues it is often things people take for granted that may actually deserve the most critical scrutiny. For example, in the argument, “This medication is labeled as totally natural, so it is safe for me to take it,” the suppressed premise—that “natural” guarantees “safe”—is not trivial and can certainly be challenged.