Philosophy Quiz #1

Systematic

Involves distinct procedures and methods

rational standards

beliefs are judged by how well they are supported by reasons

Critical thinking

the systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs, or statements, by rational standards

Evaluation and formulation

used to assess existing beliefs and devise new ones

Why does critical thinking matter?

1. Skills for learning and exploring

2. Defense against error, manipulation, and prejudice

3. Tools for self-discovery

4. Better decision-making

5. Avoid manipulation

6. Open-mindedness

Critical thinking (simple definition)

the intellectually disciplined process of actively analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make sound judgments and informed decisions

Statement (claim)

a declarative statement that asserts an idea or belief which can be judged as either true or false

Premise

a specific type of claim (statement) that functions as a reason or evidence to support a conclusion within an argument

Conclusion

the main claim or point that the author is trying to prove and support using evidence

• supported by premises

Argument

gives us reasons for believing that something is the case—that a claim is true or probably true

• includes premises and conclusion

Explanation

tells us why or how something is the case

Premise indicator words

because, since, in view of the fact, given that, for the
reason that, due to the fact that

Conclusion indicator words

therefore, thus, so, consequently, it follows that, we can
conclude that, ergo, hence

Common impediments to critical thinking

1. Psychological obstacles- hindrances that arise because of how we think

2. Philosophical obstacles- hindrances that occur because of what we think

Self-interested thinking

actions, motives, or reasoning focused primarily on promoting an individual's own welfare, advantage, or well-being

How to overcome self-interested thinking

• watch out when things get very personal

• Be alert to ways that critical thinking can be undermined

• Ensure that nothing has been left out

Peer pressure

the influence that a social group or friends exert on an individual to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to fit in or gain approval

Stereotyping

drawing conclusions about people without sufficient reasons

Prejudice

an unfair opinion or feeling formed about a person or group without knowing the facts or having real experience

Bias

a disproportionate weight, preference, or inclination for or against an idea, thing, or group, usually in a way that is closed-minded, unfair, or prejudicial

Racism

prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race or ethnic background based on the belief that one's own race is superior

Worldview

the overall lens, framework, or set of beliefs through which an individual or society interprets reality, evaluates ethics, and understands their place in the universe

Philosophical skepticism

The view that we know much less than we think we know or nothing at all

1. One form of this view says that knowledge requires certainty

2. If knowledge requires certainty, we know very little

3. But we sometimes do seem to have knowledge—even though we do not have absolutely conclusive reasons

Francis Bacon

Created idols of the mind to explain why human understanding goes astray

• Tribe- human nature

• Cave- self

• Marketplace- language

• Theater- cultural assumption

Subjective relativism

the philosophical view that an action is morally right, or a belief is true, simply if an individual approves of it or believes it to be so

Social relativism

the view that truth, morals, and knowledge are not absolute, but depend on the specific social, historical, and cultural context in which they arise

What does critical thinking complement according to the text?

Our emotions

True/False: statements, or claims, are either true or false

true

Probably the best advice for anyone trying to uncover or dissect arguments is…

Find the conclusion first

Saving face

• protecting our image

• Evaluating, defending, and rationalizing to lead to your decision

Relative truth

the concept that a statement or belief is true only within a specific context, perspective, or framework, rather than being a universal fact

Subjective relativism

the philosophical view that our inner, personal experiences are genuinely real and give us direct access to the true nature of reality

Social relativism

the view that truth, morals, and right or wrong are not absolute, but depend on a person's social, historical, and cultural context

Example:

True/False: A common flaw in reasoning is the failure to take relative truth into account

false

What does the term critical refer to in critical thinking?

the ability to exercise careful judgment, discernment, and analytical evaluation rather than finding faults or being negative

By what standard should we always proportion our acceptance of a statement?

The evidence behind it

How does logic differ from critical thinking?

• Logical thinking evaluates whether a conclusion correctly follows a structured set of rules and facts

• critical thinking goes further to question whether the underlying data, sources, and assumptions can be trusted

Appeal to common practice

A logical error that claims an action is right or acceptable just because many people do it

appeal to popularity

a logical error that happens when someone claims an idea is true or good simply because a majority of people believe or do it

Availability error

Relying on evidence not because it’s trustworthy but because it’s memorable or striking

Confirmation bias

The tendency to look for and recognize only information that confirms our existing views

Dunning-Kruger effect

the phenomenon of being ignoring of how ignorant we are

False consensus effect

a mental habit where people think others agree with their beliefs and choices more than they actually do

Illusion-of-truth effect

A phenomenon in which you come to believe that a false claim is actually true simply because it is familiar

Implicit bias

A negative attitude toward a group of people that operates unintentionally or unconsciously

*implicit- think inside

Mere exposure effect

a psychological phenomenon where people develop a preference for a person, object, or idea simply because it is familiar to them

Subjectivist fallacy

happens when someone claims an objective fact is true for one person but not true for someone else