Critical Thinking by Example: Chapter 1 Flashcards

Comprehensive practice questions covering the definitions and logic types found in Mark Walker's 'Critical Thinking by Example', Chapter 1.

How does Mark Walker define an "argument" in this book?

Attempts at persuasion using reasons.

According to the transcript, what are the two components of every argument?

(i) reasons offered in support of a claim (premises), and (ii) the claim itself (conclusion).

What is the term for reasons offered in support of a claim?

Premises.

What is the term for the claim being supported in an argument?

Conclusions.

According to the text, every argument must have at least one of which two components?

At least one premise and one conclusion.

What is the skill of "analyzing an argument into its component parts" called?

Standardizing arguments.

What is the skill of "assessing whether an argument is good or not" called?

Evaluating arguments.

What does to "standardize an argument" mean?

To dissect it: to break it down into its components in a manner that shows the logical relationships between the parts.

In 'standard notation', what letter and numeral represent the first premise?

$$P1$$

In 'standard notation', what letter represents the conclusion?

$$C$$

How should logic diagrams be read according to the transcript?

From the bottom up.

What does each arrow represent in an argument diagram?

"Therefore".

How are subconclusions defined in the context of standardizing?

Claims that serve as both a premise and a conclusion.

In a diagram, where is the main conclusion always located?

At the top.

In a diagram, what is the level one step down from the main conclusion?

The main premise level.

Where are subconclusions located in a complex argument diagram?

Always at least two levels down.

Define a "Simple Argument."

A single premise supports a single conclusion.

Define a "Serial Argument."

A premise set is used to support a subconclusion, which then serves as a premise for a further conclusion.

Define a "Linked Argument."

Two or more premises are logically linked and work together to support a conclusion.

Define a "Convergent Argument."

Two or more premises are logically independent and work independently to support the conclusion.

Define a "Divergent Argument."

A premise set supports two or more conclusions.

Name five conclusion indicator words listed in the text.

Therefore, So, Thus, Hence, consequently.

Name five premise indicator words listed in the text.

Since, Because, For, Given that, As shown by.

In the example "There has been no good music since the great music of the 1960s", how is the word "since" used?

In a temporal (i.e., time) sense, not as a premise indicator.

What is the "substitution trick" used for in standardizing?

To see if a word is being used as a premise or conclusion indicator by substituting a different word from the indicator lists.

In Example 1.7, why are the premises that "Lassie is a dog" and "all dogs are mammals" considered linked?

They need each other to provide reason to believe the conclusion that Lassie is a mammal.

In Example 1.8, why is the argument for Lassie being a great pet considered convergent?

The reasons (being smart and scaring away intruders) are independent and both provide reason on their own to believe the conclusion.

What recommended step should be taken first when standardizing an argument?

Look for the main conclusion or conclusions first.

In the phrase "So, I’m going to the party. Are you?", what is the function of the word "so"?

It is used as an introductory element, not a conclusion indicator.

If you substitute "therefore" into a sentence and it changes the meaning, what does it indicate about the original word?

The original word was not being used as a conclusion indicator.

How does the author recommend checking if a diagram captures a person's intended logic?

By starting from the bottom and reading it while saying "therefore" at every arrow.

In Quiz 1.1, what is the relationship between [1] and [2] in the argument about "Drinking and Philosophy"?

$[2]$ is offered in support of $[1]$.

What type of argument is "[1] You should watch 'House', since [2] it teaches you about medical stuff, and [3] the star, Hugh Laurie, is cute beyond belief"?

Convergent.

What phrase is used as a conclusion indicator in Quiz 1.1, Question 7?

"This shows that".

In Quiz 1.2, how are the premises regarding universal healthcare linked?

Through the idea of "bad health."

In Question 7 of Quiz 1.2, what is the relationship between conclusion [2] and conclusion [3]?

Both are main conclusions supported by premise $[1]$.

In the argument "[1] We need a strong government. [2] It will keep us free and [3] it will keep us strong", what is the argument type?

Divergent.

What is claim [2] in the argument "[1] You should save your money [2] because you will need a vacation, [3] since your boss is such a jerk"?

A subconclusion.

In the argument about the jerk boss, why is claim [3] a subpremise but not a subconclusion?

It supports a subconclusion but there is no premise supporting it.

What determines if a statement like "College costs a lot of money" is a premise in an argument?

If the author offers no reason to believe it.

In Quiz 1.4, Question 7, how are [1] and [3] related in the tooth health argument?

They are linked through the idea of "tooth health."

In Quiz 1.5, what is the main conclusion of the argument about dogs and cats being friendly?

Dogs make the best pets.

Why are "Dogs are friendly" and "cats are not nearly so friendly" distinct ideas in Quiz 1.5?

One is a general claim about dogs, while the other is a comparative claim between cats and dogs.

In Quiz 1.5, Question 10, what is the main conclusion of the "love your country" argument?

You don't love your country.

In example 1.51, what is the characteristic of claim 1?

It is a subpremise.

In example 1.51, claims 2, 3, and 4 are all categorized as what two things?

A subpremise and a subconclusion.

Is there an infallible way of ascertaining a person's intentions when standardizing?

No.

What level down in a diagram is a main premise?

Exactly one level down from the main conclusion.

What kind of argument is Example 1.1: "John is over two meters tall, so he is tall"?

Simple argument.

In the argument "[1] You should watch 'House', since [2] it teaches you about medical stuff, and [3] the star, Hugh Laurie, is cute beyond belief", what is the relationship between [3] and [1]?

$[3]$ is offered as a reason to believe $[1]$.