Critical Thinking Chapter 1
What is a conclusion?
The statement that the premises are intended to support
What are indicator words?
Word that frequently accompany arguments and signal that a premise or conclusion is present
What does it mean to say that critical thinking is done according to rational standards?
beliefs are judged by how well they are supported by reasons
How does logic differ from critical thinking?
it involves not only logic but also the truth or falsity of statements the evaluation of arguments and evidence the use of analysis and investigation the application of many other skills that help us decide what to believe or do.
Logic
the study of good reasoning, or inference, and the rules that govern it
Conclusion indicator words
therefore thus which implies that consequently it follows that we can conclude that so hence it must be that as a result which means that ergo
What is an argument?
A combination of statements supposedly providing reasons for accepting another group of statements
What is an explanation?
A statement that makes something clear Tells us why or how something is the case
Why can't a mere assertion or statement of beliefs constitute an argument?
An argument requires reasons that support a conclusion; the mere assertion of belief does not provide reason
True or false: All disagreements contain an argument.
False
True or false: You can almost always find an argument in narrative writing
False
How does a lack of critical thinking cause a loss of personal freedom?
If you passively accept beliefs that have been handed to you by your parents, your culture, or your teachers, then those beliefs are not really yours. You just happened to be in a certain place and time when they were handed out. If they are not really yours, and you let them guide your choices and actions, then they—not you—are in charge of your life.
Why is critical thinking systematic?
It involves distinct procedures and methods. It entails evaluation and formulation because it's used to both assess existing beliefs (yours or someone else's) and devise new ones
What does the term critical refer to in critical thinking?
It is involving careful judgement
What is probably the best strategy for trying to find an argument in a complex passage?
Look for the conclusion first
What is the function of a premise?
The statements (reasons) given in support of another statement
By what standard should we always proportion our acceptance of a statement?
The strength of your belief in a statement should depend on the quality of the reasons in favor of the statement
What is critical thinking?
The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs, or statements, by rational standards.
What is a statement?
an assertion that something is or is not the case
Premise indicator words.
because in view of the fact given that seeing that as due to the fact that being that since assuming that for the reason that inasmuch as as indicated by for the reason being
Is critical thinking primarily concerned with what you think or how you think?
how you think
