Critical Thinking and Ethics Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on critical thinking and ethics.

Argument Analysis

The process of evaluating the components of an argument, including its premises and conclusion.

Premise

A statement that provides support or reasoning for a conclusion in an argument.

Conclusion

The main claim being made in an argument, often indicated by phrases such as 'therefore' or 'so'.

Critical Thinking

The process of actively analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to make reasoned judgments.

Validity

The property of an argument where the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

Soundness

An argument that is valid and has all true premises; thus, the conclusion must also be true.

Indicator Words

Words that signal the structure of an argument, such as 'because' (for premises) and 'therefore' (for conclusions).

Fallacies

Errors in reasoning that invalidate an argument and can mislead or confuse.

Inductive Argument

An argument in which the premises support the conclusion but do not guarantee it, providing probable support.

Deductive Argument

An argument where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises, assuming they are true.

Claim

An assertion that something is or is not the case, which can be true or false.

Statement

A declarative sentence that asserts a fact that can be evaluated as true or false.

Premise Indicator Words

Words that indicate a premise is being presented, primarily 'because' and 'since'.

Conclusion Indicator Words

Words that indicate a conclusion is being presented, such as 'therefore' and 'so'.

Fallacies and Biases

Errors in reasoning and belief based on irrational judgments that compromise the evaluation of arguments.

Moral Arguments

Arguments that involve claims about what is right or wrong, often grounded in ethical reasoning.

Philosophical Argument

An intellectual disagreement where multiple parties present reasoning in support of their positions.

Research in Argument Evaluation

The process of verifying the truth of premises to validate the soundness of an argument.

Composite Argument

An argument that combines statements into more complex structures sometimes with implied meanings.

Deductive Logic Condition

The criterion that a valid deductive argument must satisfy, where if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Implicit Premise

A premise that is not explicitly stated but is necessary for the argument to hold.