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    Unit 1 Lecture Notes

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    xTruth
    This document provides an introduction to critical thinking. It discusses that critical thinking is applicable across contexts, examines shared elements of human thought, and aims to improve the quality of thought. The goals of critical thinking are to evaluate the substance and merit of positions while considering their impact. It also matters because opinions need supporting evidence or reasons. Critical thinking is diverse and used in many disciplines. Its objectives include achieving clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, depth, humility, and intellectual self-ownership. The document then discusses key terms related to arguments, how to identify arguments versus explanations, and how indicator words help identify an argument's premises and conclusions.

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    Unit 1 Lecture Notes

    Uploaded by

    xTruth
    16 views2 pages
    This document provides an introduction to critical thinking. It discusses that critical thinking is applicable across contexts, examines shared elements of human thought, and aims to improve the quality of thought. The goals of critical thinking are to evaluate the substance and merit of positions while considering their impact. It also matters because opinions need supporting evidence or reasons. Critical thinking is diverse and used in many disciplines. Its objectives include achieving clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, depth, humility, and intellectual self-ownership. The document then discusses key terms related to arguments, how to identify arguments versus explanations, and how indicator words help identify an argument's premises and conclusions.

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    This document provides an introduction to critical thinking. It discusses that critical thinking is applicable across contexts, examines shared elements of human thought, and aims to improve the quality of thought. The goals of critical thinking are to evaluate the substance and merit of positions while considering their impact. It also matters because opinions need supporting evidence or reasons. Critical thinking is diverse and used in many disciplines. Its objectives include achieving clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, depth, humility, and intellectual self-ownership. The document then discusses key terms related to arguments, how to identify arguments versus explanations, and how indicator words help identify an argument's premises and conclusions.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    16 views2 pages

    Unit 1 Lecture Notes

    Uploaded by

    xTruth
    This document provides an introduction to critical thinking. It discusses that critical thinking is applicable across contexts, examines shared elements of human thought, and aims to improve the quality of thought. The goals of critical thinking are to evaluate the substance and merit of positions while considering their impact. It also matters because opinions need supporting evidence or reasons. Critical thinking is diverse and used in many disciplines. Its objectives include achieving clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, depth, humility, and intellectual self-ownership. The document then discusses key terms related to arguments, how to identify arguments versus explanations, and how indicator words help identify an argument's premises and conclusions.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    Part I: Introduction; Why Critical Thinking?

    How to do Critical Thinking


    Course Clarifications:

     Not Antagonistic: Critical means discerning, not being negative for the sake of it.
     Not a War: Critical reasoning isn't about belittling others; it's about understanding and evaluating.
    Universality of Critical Thinking:

     Universal Parts of Thinking: Critical thinking is applicable universally, across contexts.


     Shared Elements: Human thought has widely shared elements, and understanding these is crucial
    for meaningful thought.
     Purpose of Thought: Reflecting on human thinking improves the quality of thought itself.
    Importance of Critical Thinking:

     Justification: Critical thinking is essential for justifying your ideas and opinions.
     Substantiation: To answer questions and substantiate your 'why,' critical thinking is
    indispensable.
    Goals of Critical Thinking:

     Discern Substance: Evaluate the depth, merit, precision, and relevance of a position.
     Impact on Others: Critical thinking is crucial due to the impact our decisions have on people.
    Why Critical Thinking Matters:

     Different Opinions: While everyone has a right to their opinion legally, not all opinions have the
    same substance.
     Substance and Rational Worth: Opinions need evidence or reasons for rational worth.
    Diversity of Critical Thinking:

     Applicability: Used in all disciplines, public life, sciences, business, and occupations.
     Thinking Outside the Box: Involves considering alternatives, rejecting biases, and opening up to
    new possibilities.
    Objectives of Critical Thinking:

     Clarity: Achieving clear and understandable thought.


     Precision: Providing specific, refined details.
     Accuracy: Ensuring information is true, not manipulated.
     Relevance: Focusing on pertinent matters.
     Depth: Addressing complex issues thoroughly.
     Humility: Developing intellectual humility.
     Self-Ownership: Controlling one's life by carefully choosing beliefs.

    Part II: The Guts of Arguments

    Key Terms:
     Arguments: Statements supporting a conclusion.
     Conclusion: The main statement arguments support.
     Explanation: Statements explaining why or how something is the case.
     Indicator Words: Words signaling premises or conclusions.
     Premise: Statements supporting a conclusion.
     Statement (Claim): Assertion of truth or falsity.
     Inference: Reasoning from premises to a conclusion.
    Identifying Arguments:

     Arguments are attempts to convince with given reasons.


    Distinguishing Arguments and Explanations:

     Arguments provide reasons to justify a conclusion.


     Explanations tell why or how something is the case.

    Part III: Determining if it is an Argument

    Questions for Identifying Arguments:

     Is there an attempt to convince?


     Are reasons given to convince?
     If yes to both, it's an argument.
    Examples:

     Clearly defining premises and conclusions helps identify arguments.

    Part IV: Indicator Words ... Those Tricky Little Things

    Conclusion Indicators:

     Words like "therefore," "hence," and "thus" signal conclusions.


    Premise Indicators:

     Words like "since," "because," and "given that" indicate premises.


    Example:

     Proper use of indicator words aids in identifying arguments.

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