Week 2

This week we move towards our first analysis of a simple text.
On the journey we will reflect on what constitutes a basic argument and try to identify premises and conclusions. The importance of clear defintions will be reflected on. We will also look at comparing and contrasting concepts and ideas. The difference between fact and opinion will also be on the menu.

Contention of the week: The driving age should be raised to 18.

A site to see arguments being developed.

Important sites

http://philosophy.lander.edu/logic/quizzes.html

http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/

http://www.poweroflogic.com/cgi/menu.cgi

http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/

http://www.studygs.net/crtthk.htm

Week 1

This purpose of this week is too introduce the concept of critical thinking.

Part of which will be introduce some of the key terms and ideas involved in critical thinking.

What then are some of the most important terms?

Critical
Reasoning
Arguments/rhetoric
Definitions        One helpful way to look at meanings
Premises
Assumptions
Comparative knowledge
Contextual knowledge
Ambiguity
Evidence
What is truth (fact or opinion)
Fallacy
Relevance
Necessary or/and sufficient conditions
Statistical reasoning
Rhetoric     (logos, pathos and ethos)