Question

In "A Modest Proposal," why does Swift intentionally use false premises as a basis for his arguments?

to signal that he is actually writing a satire
to suggest that his proposal is truly genuine
to lighten a serious topic with playful humor
to prove that he has made some valid points

Answer 1

to signal that he is actually writing a satire

Swift adopts outrageous, false premises and deliberately logical but cruel reasoning to expose and mock contemporary attitudes and policies. The absurdity signals satire and forces readers to see the moral and social problems he’s criticizing.