What role does an assumption play in an argument?

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An assumption plays a fundamental role in strengthening an argument by providing a basis upon which the argument is built. In this context, the central role of an assumption is to introduce ideas or premises that, while not explicitly stated, are necessary for the argument’s conclusion to be valid.

When an assumption is made, it often supplements the argument by filling in gaps between premises and the conclusion. This unseen but crucial step is what allows the argument to flow logically and maintain coherence. For instance, if an argument claims that a policy will effectively reduce crime rates, there might be an underlying assumption that the policy addresses the root causes of crime or that it will be properly implemented and enforced.

While the notion of challenging existing beliefs has merit in some discussions, the correct function of an assumption is primarily to provide necessary context or additional information that supports the argument. This is why introducing previously unmentioned information aligns with the role of an assumption—it helps clarify and substantiate the main claim being made.

Validating the main claim or merely reiterating known facts does not capture the essence of an assumption's contribution in argumentation, as these actions can either be redundant or not sufficiently supportive of a logical structure. Therefore, the introduction of previously unmentioned information through assumptions is crucial

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