Cambridge International AS & A Level Thinking Skills 9694 Syllabus Notes

A collection of vocabulary terms and their definitions relevant to reasoning and argumentation as outlined in the Cambridge International AS & A Level Thinking Skills syllabus.

Equivocation

Using ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing to a single meaning.

Conflation

Combining two distinct concepts into one without clear distinction.

Circular argument

An argument that begins with its conclusion as a premise.

Begging the question

Assuming the truth of what one is trying to prove.

Invalid deduction

A conclusion drawn from premises that do not logically support it.

Causal flaw

Mistaking correlation for causation.

Rash generalisation

Forming a conclusion based on insufficient evidence.

Sweeping generalisation

Applying a general rule too broadly without regard to exceptions.

False dichotomy

Presenting two opposing options as the only possibilities.

Necessary and sufficient conditions

Conditions required for an event (necessary) or conditions that guarantee an event (sufficient).

Slippery slope argument

Arguing that a small first step will lead to a chain of related events culminating in a significant impact.

Ad hominem

Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself.

Tu quoque

Responding to criticism by accusing the critic of similar actions.

Straw man argument

Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.

Post hoc fallacy

Assuming that if one event follows another, the first must be the cause of the second.

Inadequate evidence

Making generalisations without sufficient data to support them.

Moderate opinions

Positions that are not extreme but fall between two extremes.

Misrepresentation of arguments

Distorting someone's viewpoint to refute it more easily.

Analogy

A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

Appeal to authority

Using authority figures as credible evidence for an argument.

Inconsistency in reasoning

Contradictory statements within the reasoning process.