Critical Thinking and Logical Reasoning

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to truth, belief, reasoning, argument structures, critical thinking skills, common cognitive biases, communication styles, and influential psychological studies.

Truth

When a statement matches the facts and corresponds to reality.

Belief

An individual's acceptance that a statement is true, which can be justified.

Conclusion Indicator Words

Words like therefore, thus, hence, and accordingly that signal a conclusion in an argument.

Premise Indicator Words

Words like because, since, and due to that indicate supporting evidence for a conclusion.

Imperative Sentence

A type of sentence that gives a command.

Interrogative Sentence

A type of sentence that asks a question.

Deductively Valid Argument

An argument where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.

Sound Argument

A deductively valid argument that has all true premises.

Inductively Strong Argument

An argument where if all premises are true, the conclusion is likely true.

Inductively Weak Argument

An argument where even if premises are true, they do not strongly support the conclusion.

Disjunctive Syllogism

An argument that follows the format: Either A or B; Not A; Therefore, B.

Modus Ponens

A logical argument format: If A, then B; A is true; Therefore, B is true.

Modus Tollens

A logical argument format: If A, then B; Not B; Therefore, Not A.

Chain Argument

A logical structure that combines premises leading to a conclusion: If A, then B; If B, then C; Therefore, If A then C.

Standard Form of an Argument

When premises are listed vertically with the conclusion below.

Milgram Study

A series of experiments on obedience demonstrating people’s tendency to follow orders, even when it involves harming others.

Zimbardo Study

A study that examined the effects of power dynamics and authority in a simulated prison environment.

Three Stages of Cognitive Development

Dualism, Relativism, and Commitment, as proposed by William Perry.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs.

Effective Communication

The ability to convey ideas clearly and listen carefully to others.

Method of Doubt

A philosophical approach to finding certainty by doubting everything that can be doubted.

Collaborative Learning

Learning that involves working together with others to solve problems.

Creative Problem Solver

An individual who develops imaginative solutions to complex problems.

Benefits of Critical Thinking

Being an informed voter and making better decisions in a democracy.

Self-Esteem and Critical Thinking

Better decision-making leads to improved self-esteem and reduced vulnerability to manipulation.

Experience (Critical Thinking Process)

The initial encounter with an event or situation.

Interpretation (Critical Thinking Process)

The initial understanding or explanation of an experience.

Analysis (Critical Thinking Process)

Evaluating initial beliefs and interpretations critically.

Avoidance (Obstacle to Critical Thinking)

The act of avoiding information or people that conflict with personal views.

Anger (Obstacle to Critical Thinking)

The emotional response of frustration towards differing viewpoints.

Clichés

Overused phrases that stop critical discussion.

Denial of Alternatives

Rejecting opposing views without consideration.

Ignorance

Deliberately remaining uninformed to avoid forming a position.

Informing

Adopting popular views to fit in and avoid standing out.

Indecision

Procrastination or endless debating without reaching a conclusion.

Absolute Thinking

The belief that one viewpoint is the only valid perspective.

Egocentrism

The belief that one’s own perspectives are superior to others.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one’s culture is better than others.

Anthropocentrism

The belief that human beings are the central focus of the universe.

Rationalization

Providing logical excuses for behaviors instead of admitting the truth.

Doublethink

Simultaneously holding two contradictory beliefs.

Symbols

Forms of communication that convey information through language.

Informative Language

Language that aims to present statements that can be true or false.

Directive Language

Language that issues commands or requests.

Expressive Language

Language used to convey emotions or sentiments.

Ceremonial Language

Language used in formal or official contexts.

Meanings

Essential attributes or definitions of a term.

Commutative Meaning

The meaning of a word shaped by personal experiences and associations.

Stipulative Definition

A definition given to a new term or a combination of existing terms.

Theoretical Definition

Definitions based on scientific concepts and theories.

Operational Definition

Defining terms based on specific criteria or measurements.

Persuasive Definition

A biased definition intended to influence others' perspectives.

Criteria for Good Definitions

Includes neither being too broad nor too narrow, stating essential attributes, not circular, and understandable.

Reportable Devices

Techniques like sarcasm, euphemism, and hyperbole that influence meaning.

Anecdotal Evidence

Evidence based on personal stories that may not represent general cases.

Hearsay Evidence

Information that is passed through multiple people, potentially altering the facts.

CRAAP Test

A method for evaluating sources based on Currency, Relevance, Accuracy, Authority, and Purpose.

Memorable Events Error

Overemphasizing unusual events while neglecting common occurrences.

Misperception of Random Data

Seeing patterns in random data, often resulting in incorrect conclusions.

Probability Error

Miscalculating the likelihood of an event based on flawed reasoning.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

Expectations that influence actions, leading to the fulfillment of those expectations.

Diffusion of Responsibility

A phenomenon where individuals in a group feel less personal responsibility to act.

Asch Experiment

A study illustrating the impact of group conformity on individual judgment.