General Critical Thinking

What is critical thinking primarily concerned with?

Determining which beliefs are justified and worth having.

When is a belief worth having?

When it is most likely true and supported by good reasons.

What is the textbook definition of critical thinking?

The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs by rational standards.

What does “systematic” mean in critical thinking?

Using structured methods rather than gut feelings.

What are rational standards?

Judging beliefs by how well they are supported by reasons.

What constitutes a statement (claim)?

An assertion that is either true or false. Examples include "The Earth is round."

Why are questions and commands not statements?

They have no truth value and are neither true nor false. For example, "Close the door."

What is an argument?

A group of statements where premises support a conclusion.

Premise vs. Conclusion

A premise is a statement given in support of another; a conclusion is the statement that the premises are meant to support.

What is an inference?

The reasoning process from premises to conclusion.

Can a bad argument still be considered an argument?

Yes, as long as the speaker intends the premises to support the conclusion.

What determines whether a set of statements is an argument?

The speaker’s intention and the provides of reasons/evidence for reaching a conclusion.

What is filler material?

Sentences that are neither premises nor conclusions. They are ignored to reveal the actual structure of an argument.

Argument vs. Explanation

• Argument: Tries to prove that something is the case; "You should do X because Y."

• Explanation: Explains why or how something happened, assuming it did; "X happened because Y."

Indicator Words

• Premise Indicators: because, since, given that.

• Conclusion Indicators: therefore, thus, so.

How do you identify arguments without indicator words?

By using judgment to identify which claims support others.

Common Exam Trap: "Because" sentences

Not all "because" sentences are arguments; many serve as explanations.