What do logical assumptions in an argument refer to?

Logical assumptions in an argument refer to the underlying beliefs that support the argument's conclusion because these assumptions form the foundation upon which the argument is built. They are the beliefs that, although often not explicitly stated, are necessary for the argument to hold true. Such assumptions help the audience understand the reasoning behind the conclusion and provide context that bridges the evidence presented with the conclusion drawn.

For example, if an argument concludes that a certain policy will lead to improved public health, the assumption might be that access to medical care is correlated with better health outcomes. Recognizing these underlying beliefs allows one to critically assess the strength of the argument: if the assumptions are questionable, then the argument may not be persuasive or valid.

Other options might pertain to aspects of argumentation, but they do not encapsulate the concept of logical assumptions. Emotional reactions represent subjective responses and do not directly contribute to the logical structure of an argument. Observable facts and statistics serve as evidence to support or oppose an argument rather than assumptions that underlie it. Arguments against a proposed viewpoint reflect counterarguments, which challenge rather than support the argument in question.