overview + intro

arguments

support controversial claims with reasons/evidence, is this true?

explanations

clarify undisputed claims with causes, definitions, or principles, why is this true?

key definitions

arguments defend, explanations clarify

structure of arguments

premises → conclusion (w/ rebuttals)

because test

insert “because” between conclusion and premise to test support

evaluation criteria

are reasons acceptable? do they stringly support the conclusion? do they address major objections?

explanandum

what needs explaining

explanans

what does the explaining

spectrum of explanatory virtues and vices

coherence - speculative, empirical adequacy - incomplete, breadth - ad hoc, depth - facile, plausibility - questionable, simplicity/parsimony - bloated/extravagant

name three common fallacies

begging the question, ad hominem, appeals to emotion

begging the question

circular reasoning

ad hominem

attack on person instead of argument

appeals to emotions

non-rational persuasion

name five cognitive biases

confirmation bias, semmelweis reflex, negativity bias, probability neglect, base rate fallacy

confirmation bias

favoring evidence that fits beliefs

semmelweis reflex

rejecting ideas against common practice

negativity bias

overweighing negative evidence

probability neglect

ignoring statistical likelihood

base rate fallacy

neglecting population-level prevalence

name the attitudes of critical thinking

fallibility, open-mindedness, charity, fidelity, clarity

fallibility

accept possibility of error

open-mindedness

take other views seriously

charity

interpret others’ arguments in strongest form

fidelity

stay faithful to what authors meant

clarity

write clearly for an intelligent but uniformed audience

moral virtues

justice, courage, moderation → guide right action

intellectual virtues

humility, courage, carefulness, honestly, perseverance

beliefs shape ____

actions → so intellectual character indirectly shapes our whole lives

name the reasons why intellectual virtues matter

success, loving relationships, education, responsible citizenship, truth and knowledge

describe why intellectual virtues matter in success

• defining and achieving success requires careful, perseverant, wise thinking

• protects against superficial solutions and empty self-help formulas

describe why intellectual virtues matter in loving relationships

• isn’t just emotional, requires thoughtful decisions

• intellectual humility, attentiveness, and courage help us navigate hard choices (family crises, interventions, everyday care)

describe why intellectual virtues matter in responsible citizenship

• beliefs are never private, they shape society

• careless, arrogant, or dogmatic thinking damages public life

• requires careful, fair, charitable, and firm reasoning

describe why intellectual virtues matter in education

• knowledge + skills are not enough

• without virtues, they may be misused

• true education = cultivating intellectual character → lifelong learners

describe why intellectual virtues matter in truth and knowledge

• humans naturally desire knowledge and understanding (aristotle)

• perseverance (newton, einstein) shows inquiry requires intellectual virtue

• valuable both instrumentally (helps us live well) and intrinsically (worth having for its own sake)