What defines an implicit assumption?

An implicit assumption is one that is not directly stated but is necessary for the argument to hold true. This means that the reader or listener must infer the assumption based on the context or the implications of the statements being made. In other words, implicit assumptions are taken for granted and are woven into the reasoning process without explicit acknowledgment.

For example, when someone argues that "all children should be taught about the environment," the implicit assumption might be that teaching children about the environment is beneficial, even though that benefit is not directly stated. The listener must interpret or deduce that assumption to fully engage with the argument.

This contrasts with other types of assumptions: those that are openly stated or clearly articulated do not require inference; they are explicitly communicated. An assumption highlighted by an authoritative source refers to a reference that supports a claim, which does not align with the concept of implicit assumptions. Therefore, the key characteristic of an implicit assumption is its interpretative nature, making the selection that identifies this quality as the correct choice.