Critical Thinking Unit 1 (F501)

Critical Thinking Unit 1 (F501)

1. A: the language of reasoning

   • recognising arguments, conclusions and reasons
     • Argument: an attempt to persuade a reader (or listener) to accept something. An argument must have a conclusion and at least one reason.
     • Conclusion: the conclusion of an argument is a statement of something that the writer (or speaker) wants the reader (or listener) to accept based on the reasons given.
     • Reason: a statement that aims to persuade the reader to accept a conclusion.
     • Claim: a statement or judgement that can be challenged (not supported by reasoning)
     • Argument indicator words
       • Reason
         • because, as, since, due to, such as
       • conclusion
         • therefore, so, thus, it follows that, consequently, should, ought
     • because/therefore test
   • Counter-assertions, counter-arguments, hypothetical reasoning and assumptions
     • Counter-argument: an additional argument that is against what the conclusion seeks to establish. The writer normally presents the counter-argument in order to dismiss it.
     • Counter-assertion: a reason that would support an opponent's argument
     • indicator words: although, despite this, however, it has been said, contrary to this, on the other hand, some may argue
     • Hypothetical reasoning: looks at the consequences that might occur if something were the case. Usually using form 'if this... then that...'. Indicator phrases include: if, provided that, on condition that, given that...then...'
     • assumption: a missing reason in the argument. The writer accepts the assumption, but has not stated it. The assumption is essential for the conclusion to be drawn
   • Identifying evidence and examples
     • Fact: information that can be verified and that is held to be true
     • Factual claim: a statement or judgement based on information that can be verified and that is held to be true
     • Evidence: something that is used to develop or support a reason. Evidence is often in the form of numerical data, an estimate, or a factual claim
     • Example: something which is used as evidence because it is characteristic of the same kind of things or because it can serve to illustrate a principle
   • Analysing and evaluating reasoning
     • Evaluating how well evidence/reasons support conclusions
       • relevant? Representative? Reliable?
       • comprehensive
       • large and relevant sample size
       • random sample
       • Use PEA (P: the reasoning is weak/strong because... E: quote from text, A: why this evidence supports your point
       • consistent
       • factual error?
       • hypothetical?
       • overdrawn
       • contradictory?

2. B: Credibility

   • Credibility criteria
     • credibility: whether someone's claims or evidence can be believed
     • Plausibility: whether or not a claim or piece of evidence is reasonable
     • RAVEN
       • Reputation
         • can be negative or positive
         • previous performance, behaviour, actions
           • not always a reliable basis for future actions
       • Ability to see/perceive
         • eye-witness
         • hearsay
       • Vested interest
         • usually financial
         • can occasionally strengthen the argument
           • e.g. giving true account of events to maintain a job
       • Expertise
         • skills
         • experience
         • training
         • specialist knowledge and judgement
       • Neutrality (bias)
         • impartial
         • no reason to favour one side over another
   • Assessing credibility of individuals, organisations, and documents
     • credibility of the writer
       • credibility criteria
     • plausibility of the writer's claims
     • how far the article or report is balanced account
     • draws on relevant sources
     • credibility of the source organisation