When you make the comment, "I don't know," in the course of a discussion, this indicates that you:
A. have a tolerance for uncertainty.
B. are an empirical scientist.
C. are evasive and opposed to further inquiry.
D. accept your own ability.
I often say "I don't know" when in political discussions with right wing wingnuts, mainly to avoid prolonging the discussion. It often does not stop them, as they think it is their duty to educate me. C fits that.
When someone asks me for advice on a situation that will effect them...as what stocks to invest in...I say I don't know, mainly, because my crystal ball is broken. D fits that.
Sometimes when a wingnut makes a very stupid (accusation against latinos, or Jews, or blacks), I say "I don't know about that", which is my way of politely stating that I do not agree. None of the answers fit that.
Perhaps living in Texas, and being an educated liberal, has caused me abnormal defensive mechanisms with avoidance and non confrontation with wingnuts, even if they are elected officials.
For you choices, C is probably what your instructor wants, but frankly, I don't know.
What is the context? It would depend upon the topic being discussed. In certain cases, it may also be "I don't care."
If you don't make any attempt to know later, it might be A.
It could also be C, an attempt to not be involved.
If it is a scientific topic, and you do not have adequate data to make any decision, it may be B. As found at the end of many research articles, "More research is needed."
However, rather than (D) accepting your own ability, it would be accepting your own inability. That is the only one I can omit with any certainty.
However, like bobpursley, I would slightly favor C.
The correct answer is A. have a tolerance for uncertainty.
When someone says "I don't know" during a discussion, it typically suggests that they recognize their own lack of knowledge or understanding on a particular topic. It demonstrates humility and honesty, indicating that they do not have all the answers and are open to considering new information or perspectives.
Choosing option B, "are an empirical scientist," is not necessarily accurate as saying "I don't know" is not limited to scientists or those who follow empirical methods. It is a response that anyone can give when they are unsure about something.
Option C, "are evasive and opposed to further inquiry," is incorrect because saying "I don't know" does not necessarily imply opposition to further inquiry. Rather, it can serve as an invitation for others to share their knowledge or for further discussion on the topic.
Option D, "accept your own ability," is not the most accurate choice as saying "I don't know" does not necessarily imply self-acceptance. It simply acknowledges the limits of one's knowledge or understanding in a specific situation.
Therefore, option A, "have a tolerance for uncertainty," is the most appropriate answer as it accurately reflects the meaning behind saying "I don't know" in a discussion.