Unaccepted enthymemes 167
Bill must be stupid. You have to be stupid to fail a driving-test.
(While the average listener might nod sagely at this point, he would
be somewhat put out if he later discovered that Bill hadn't failed his
driving test. The argument only works if that is assumed.)In this case a fallacy is committed because an important element
of the argument is omitted. If both parties agree on the
assumption, then it is present although unstated. If only the lis-
tener makes the assumption, he may think the argument has
more support that it really does. We often leave out important
stages because they are generally understood, but we have to
recognize that there can be disagreements about what we are
entitled to assume.
/ hope to repay the bank soon, Mr Smith. My late aunt said she would
leave a reward to everyone who had looked after her.
(The bank manager, surprised by the non-payment of the debt, will
be even more surprised when you tell him how you had always
neglected your aunt.)It is because we use enthymemes routinely to avoid labor-
iously filling in the details that opportunities for the fallacy arise.
The earnest caller who wishes to discuss the Bible with you will
be satisfied if told 'I'm a Buddhist', because both parties accept
the implicit fact that Buddhists do not discuss the Bible. If,
however, you were to reply instead: 'Buddhists don't discuss the
Bible', your caller might still be satisfied, making the obvious
assumption that you were a Buddhist. (Make sure though that
you have a very good answer ready should you happen to meet
him in church next Sunday.)
Unaccepted enthymemes form ready crutches for lame
excuses. The listener will generously clothe them with the