1. Module #4
Validity, Logic, Contradictions,
Consistency, & Author’s
Assumptions
RDG 101 – OLA
Dr. Novins

2. Don’t Just Read the Words!
 At this point in the semester, I think you know that I do not
just believe in reading the words presented in a text.
 Readers do so much more than just read!
 In this module we will look at four different concepts and how
they pertain to reading texts:
 Argument
 Logic
 Contradiction & Consistency
 Author’s Assumptions

3. Argument
 An argument is an attempt to persuade someone of
something, by giving reasons for accepting a particular
conclusion as evident.
 So… what does this mean in regards to your reading a text?
Why should you have to be concerned about if the author is
making a substantial argument? Aren’t all writers supposed
to make solid arguments and support these arguments with
reasons?

4. Argument
 As you read it is imperative that you try to figure out what
main point (or proposition) the author is trying to make.
 You then need to investigate and examine the text to see if
the author has offered you reasons (evidence) as to why we,
as the reader, should come to the same conclusion.
 As the reader, you will need to make a decision regarding
the author’s argument:
 Did the author substantiate their argument or did they contradict
their argument with the supporting information presented in the
text?

5. Logic
 Logic describes the use of valid reasoning.
 So… what does this mean in regards to your reading a text?
Why should the reader have to worry if the author is being
logical? Aren’t writers supposed to figure all of this out for
themselves before they write their piece? As a reader what
steps do I have to take to ensure that the argument in the text
is logical?

6. Logic
 As the reader, you will need to analyze what you are reading. You
are no longer allowed to accept what you read as fact. It is up to you
do decide if the author has a logical sequence to their argument.
 You then need to look at each point the author is trying to make.
Each point the author makes must lead to his/her next point.
 As the reader, you will need to make a decision regarding the
author’s logic:
 Did the author use examples or supporting details for their proposition that are
coherent and rational?
 If the author tries to tell you as the reader that everyone who attends college
will be doctors and lawyers, then you need to say, “Hey! Wait a sec! That just
doesn’t make sense! It doesn’t seem logical! I know tons of people who went
to college who have other professions.”

7. Contradiction & Consistency
 Contradiction is when one fact presented does not agree
with another fact presented.
 Consistency is when an argument is held together by facts
that align with each other.
 So… what does this mean in regards to your reading a text?
Why should you as the reader have to worry if the author
contradicts him/herself? Why must I do when reading a text
to ensure that the author does not contradict him/herself and
remains consistent?

8. Example of Contradiction or
Inconsistency
 When a set of propositions cannot all be simultaneously true,
we say that the propositions are inconsistent. Here is an
example of two inconsistent propositions:
 Oswald acted alone when he shot Kennedy.
 Oswald did not act alone when he shot Kennedy.
 Alone these two sentences may be able to be debated, yet
when they are presented together, the reader notes that
there is contradiction in the text.

9. Author’s Assumption
 An assumption is simply an unstated premise of the
argument; that is, an integral component of the argument that
the author takes for granted and leaves unsaid.
 So… what does this mean in regards to your reading a text?
Why can the author just assume that I know certain
information? Isn’t it the author’s job to tell me what they think
I should know? Does this occur often in texts?

10. Author’s Assumption
 In our daily lives we make thousands of assumptions, but they
make sense because they have context and we have
experience with the way the world works.
 Think for a moment about the many assumptions required
during the simple act of ordering a meal at a restaurant. You
assume that: the prices on the menu are correct; the items on
the menu are available; the description of the food is
reasonably accurate; the waiter will understand what you say
when you order; the food will not sicken or kill you; the
restaurant will accept your payment, et cetera.
 When you read, you need to be aware of certain assumptions
the author has of you, the reader.

11. Author’s Assumption
 All arguments require assumptions.
 An assumption is a point that the author doesn’t even try to
prove.
 Rather than proving the assumption, the author simply
assumes it is true – and assumes the reader knows it’s true
as well.
 Remember: An assumption is not a point that the author
tries to prove and fails. It’s a point he or she doesn’t even try
to prove.

12. Now What?
 As you read “Inequality, Race, and Remedy” AND “People
Like Us” try think about these concepts we just went over.
 Think to yourself:
 What argument is the author making?
 Is the argument logical?
 Are there any contradictions or inconsistencies in the argument?
 What is the author assume that I already know and believe?