critical thinking

critical thinking

1. what is an argument?

   • argument
     • made up of elements (claim, opinions, explanations, accounts) a conclusion and at least one reason.
   • list
     • many short statements often facts but with no claim or conclusion so not an argument.
   • rant
     • containing emotive language aims to create an emotional response from the target audience.

2. components of an argument

   • main conclusion
     • factually advice given to someone stating what they should/shouldn't do or believe based on their reasons
   • reason
     • a simple statement aiming to persuade or motivate someone to comply with the MC
   • explanation
     • a clarification to add strength and fact to an argument describing why something is how it is.
   • opinion
     • a statement of someones beliefs whith no reason to support it. it does not invite the listener to challenge or debate with them.
   • accounts
     • a description of an event to add context and link elements of the argument together.
   • claim assertion
     • a statement that can be questioned or debated that may or may not be true. this is not an argument as there is no evidence to be backed up.

3. determining deferent elements of an argument

   • "therefore, hence, so" are words we use to determine an MC
   • "because, due to, for, since" are words we use to determine an R

4. reasoning

   • when two reasons are joined together they are both needed for the mc to make sense.
   • independent reasons are when both reasons make sense and contribute to the mc on there own.
   • evidence
     • 1) A statement or quote directly from the source (person)
     • 2) Data from research
     • 3) any other form of physical evidence such as objects
   • examples
     • characteristic of a specific instance, general idea, situation or principle.
     • illustrative list
     • a named, specific case study or scenario

5. Assessing...

   • ...Credibility
     • CRABVINE
       • Corroboration
         • There is CONFIRMATION that a piece of information is true from a secondary witness or piece of evidence.
       • Reputaton
         • assessing someone's past performance and character. i.e. if they are an EXPERT or PROFESSIONAL in the subject matter.
       • Ability to percieve
         • How clear were the persons FIVE SENSES at the time of the incident?
       • Bias
         • In FAVOUR of certain BELIEFS
       • Vested intrest
         • when someone has something to gain or loose which may motivate someone to say one thing rather than the other.
       • Inconsistency
         • if any of the information is contradictory. If two witnesses say/recall the same events/opinions, it is likely to be true.
       • Neutrality
         • more reliable if someone has no connections (eg family) so no reason to favour a certain side.
       • Experience
   • ...Evidence
     • GRIMCARS
       • Generalisability
         • how recent and relevant a piece of info is.
       • Reperesentative
         • is the sample varied enough to represent an entire population?
       • Interpretation
         • are there any alternate ways to perceive information?
       • Meaningful
         • Is the evidence clear or confusing?
       • Circumstances
         • How fairly was the evidence collected (in controlled conditions?) ?
       • Ambiguity
         • does it have any different possible reasons?
       • Reliable
         • Is it credible? (CRABVINE)
       • Size
         • A larger sample size will mean better quality.
   • Examples
     • Tasty Red Meat
       • Typical
         • That the example used is not unusual/ unrepresentative
       • Relevent
         • the example is related to the argument
       • Moderate
         • not extreme