Course Description

Philosophers have developed powerful methods for classifying arguments, and identifying common errors in reasoning. Critical Thinking and Argumentation teaches these methods and applies them to real-life arguments, both written and spoken. It is thus an introduction to communication and applied logic. This learning area will help students develop arguments, understand audiences, evaluate source material, approach arguments rhetorically, and avoid logical fallacies. Among the topics covered are Argument & Audience, Argument Analysis, Standards for evaluating evidence, logic, testing for validity and inductive reasoning.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be to

• Discuss a range of techniques for improving reasoning and communication skill

• Analyse arguments, both written and spoken

• Identify errors (particularly the classic fallacies) in argument

• Write clearly structured essays with cogent arguments well set out

• Engage in argumentation with peers in a productive and constructive manner

   Course Content

• Arguments, justifications, and explanations

• Standards for evaluating arguments

• Practice in analysing arguments

• Propositional logic and truth-functional connectives

• Testing for validity

• Inductive reasoning

• The nature of Causal reasoning and causal arguments

• Techniques for evaluating causal arguments

 Required Reading Materials

Armstrong, W. S., &Fogekin, R. (2010). Understanding Arguments: An Introduction to Informal Logic. (8th ed.).Belmont: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Schick, T., &Vaughn, L. (2014).  How To Think About Weird Things. (7th ed.). USA: McGraw-Hill.