Chapter 6 Flashcards
Define an expert.
Someone who is more knowledgeable in a particular subject area or field than most others are.
Define background information.
Background information is that huge collection of very well-supported beliefs that we all rely on to inform our actions and choices.
Define fallacious appeal to authority.
The fallacy of relying on the opinion of someone deemed to be an expert who in fact is not an expert.
Define gambler’s fallacy.
The error of thinking that previous events can affect the probabilities in the random event at hand.
What is the most reasonable attitude toward a claim that conflicts with other claims you have good reason to believe?
If a claim conflicts with other claims we have good reason to accept, we have good grounds for doubting it.
What degree of probability should we assign to a claim that conflicts with our background information?
We would normally—and rightfully—assign a low probability to any claim that conflicts with a great deal of our background information.
What is the most reasonable attitude toward a claim that is neither worthy of acceptance nor deserving of outright rejection?
We should proportion our belief to the evidence.
What should be our attitude toward a claim that conflicts with expert opinion?
If a claim conflicts with expert opinion, we have good reason to doubt it.
What should be our attitude toward a claim when experts disagree about it?
When the experts disagree about a claim, we have good reason to doubt it.
According to the text, in most fields, what are the two minimal prerequisites for being considered an expert?
Education and training from reputable institutions programs in the relevant field and experience in the field.
According to the text, beyond the minimal prerequisites, what are two more telling indicators that someone is an expert?
Reputation among peers and professional accomplishments.
When is it reasonable to accept the evidence provided by personal experience?
It’s reasonable to accept the evidence provided by personal experience only if there’s no good reason to doubt it
According to the text, what are some telltale signs that an expert may be biased?
The expert is guilty of blatant violations of the critical thinking principles or of simple factual or formal errors; the expert’s claims conflict with what you have good reason to believe; the expert does not adequately support their claim; the expert’s writing contains logical contradictions and inconsistencies; the expert does not treat opposing viewpoints fairly; the expert is strongly biased, emotional, or dismissive; the expert relies on outdated information.
Name three types of perceptual impairment that can give us good reason to doubt the reliability of our personal experience.
Impairment due to environmental factors, fatigue, and stress.
