Week 3 criticl thinkgin

Argument

A statement or claim supported by objective evidence or reasons, distinguishing it from an assertion or mere disagreement.

Assertion

A view, claim, or opinion presented without supporting objective evidence.

Backward Reasoning

The practice of starting with a strong conclusion and searching exclusively for supporting reasons after the fact.

Because Test

A coherence evaluation method performed by stating the conclusion, adding 'because', and filling in the stated reason.

Reasoning Structure

A condensed logical representation that filters out all content except the issue, conclusions, and supporting reasons.

Deductive Argument

An argument structured to provide conclusive support for its conclusion, classified as either valid or invalid.

Sound Argument

A deductive argument that possesses both a valid logical structure and entirely true premises.

Inductive Argument

An argument structured to provide probable support for its conclusion, classified as either strong or weak.

Cogent Argument

An inductive argument that is strong and possesses entirely true premises.

Implicit Premise

An unstated assumption or background claim necessary to logically complete an argument.

Valid Argument Patterns

Logical forms such as modus ponens and modus tollens where true premises guarantee the truth of the conclusion.

Invalid Argument Patterns

Formal logical fallacies such as denying the antecedent and affirming the consequent.

Thesis (Overarching Argument)

The main central claim or position that an entire piece of communication seeks to establish.

Contributing Arguments

Supporting sub-points that directly reinforce the central thesis, each requiring its own evidence.

Counter-Arguments

Opposing viewpoints that must be evidence-based and evaluated with the same rigor as the primary position.