Examine the statement and determine which assumptions are logically implied or necessary for the statement to hold true.
Smoking should be banned in public places to protect public health.
Assumption I
Smoking in public places can harm others' health.
Assumption II
Public health is a priority that justifies bans.
Assumption III
Smoking is harmful only in public places.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Only I and II are implicit
Explanation:
• Assumption I is implicit: The suggestion to ban smoking in public places to protect public health assumes that smoking in these areas adversely affects the health of other people present there (passive smoking).
• Assumption II is implicit: The recommendation implies that safeguarding public health is a significant priority that can warrant imposing restrictions or bans.
• Assumption III is not implicit: The word 'only' makes this assumption extreme and invalid. The statement does not suggest that smoking is harmless in private places; it only addresses the context of public places and public health.
Therefore, only assumptions I and II are implicit.