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.