Chapter 1 Flashcards

1
Q

Critical thinking is about evaluating ___?

A

Beliefs –> which beliefs are worth believing?

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2
Q

Example of a belief

A
  1. The earth is round

2. Toronto is the capital of Canada

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3
Q

Where do beliefs come from

A
  • Parents & family
  • TV, movies
  • Reading books & magazines
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4
Q

Critical thinking is ______?

A

The systematic evaluation or beliefs, statements by rational standards

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5
Q

What is logic?

A
  • Formal logic: a set of symbolisms for representing and examining logical relations
  • Informal logic: the study of rules, guidelines and techniques
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6
Q

The basic conceptual toolbox of critical thinking

A
  • Statement
  • Premise
  • Conclusion
  • Argument
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7
Q

Statement

A

AKA a “claim”
- An assertion that something is or is not the case

ie. “Taxes are too high”

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8
Q

Statements must be _____?

A

True or false

Can be used as premises and conclusions

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9
Q

Examples of non-statements

A
  1. Commands
  2. Questions
  3. Requests
  4. Exclamations
  5. Names/Titles
  6. Expletives
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10
Q

Purpose of arguments

A
  • intended to persuade

- explore the implications

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11
Q

Premises

A

A statement given as a reason in support of another statements

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12
Q

Conclusion

A

A statement that premises are used to support

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13
Q

Premises versus conclusions

A
  • Conclusion: What the speaker wants the audience to accept

- The premises state reasons for the audience to accept that conclusion

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14
Q

Examples of premises & conclusions

A

Premise: “I got sick when I ate there”
Conclusion: “ You should avoid that restaurant”

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15
Q

Rules of thumb about arguments

A
  1. A weak argument is still an argument

2. Premises are still premises

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16
Q

Two ways to question an argument

A
  1. Question the premises

2. Question the reasoning process leading from premises to conclusion

17
Q

Inference?

A

The process of reasoning from premises to conclusion

ie. “Based on these tests, it seems safe to infer that it’s safe to drink the water”

18
Q

Difference between an argument and an explanation

A

Explanation: tells us WHY something happened.

Argument: why we should BELIEVE a statement is true

19
Q

Can explanations be a part of arguments?

A

Yes

20
Q

How to recognize an argument?

A
  • Look for a conclusion + supporting premises

- Look for indicator words

21
Q

Premise Indicators

A
  • Because, since, given that, due to the fact that etc.
22
Q

Conclusion indicators

A
  • therefore, so, we can conclude that, thus, it follows that etc.
23
Q

Explanation

A

Series of statements to show why an accepted fact is the case (NOT an argument)

24
Q

Argument

A

Series of statements in which some (premises) are claimed to logically support or defend a conclusion