Critical Reasoning Flashcards
What are the components of an argument?
premise, assumption and conclusion
what is a premise?
a proposition, statement or fact from which a conclusion is made
what is an assumption?
the implicit statement, which must be true so that the conclusion can be true
necessary assumption
unstated facts or opinions that MUST be assumed if the reasoning is to succeed logically.
what phrases ‘necessary assumption’ contain?
an assumption that the argument (reasoning) requires
an assumption on which the argument depends (relies)
sufficient assumption
unstated facts or opinions that, if assumed, allow reasoning to succeed logically
T or F. If A occurs, B occurs. A does occur. B occurs
T
T or F. If A occurs, B occurs. B doesn’t occur. A doesn’t occur
T
T or F. If A occurs, B occurs. B does occur. A occurs.
F
T or F. If A occurs, B occurs. A doesn’t occur. B doesn’t occur
F
Unless you sleep well tonight, you will not compete well in tomorrow’s track events. Does this indicate a necessary or sufficient condition?
necessary condition (will)
how does ‘inference’ differ from ‘assumption’ ?
An inference is made “after” the argument is complete, and follows from the argument.
An assumption occurs “before” the argument, that is, while the argument is being made.
What are some “Cause and Effect” signal words?
Therefore, Thus, So, Consequently, Hence, For this reason, As a result, It follows that
What are some “Concession” signal words?
Even though, Although, Though, Whereas, While, Despite, While it is true that
2) Two (or more) events occur at the same time
What is the function of “Concession” signal words?
to concede/acknowledge an opposing point but the author doesn’t necessarily change his mind
What are some “Contrast” signal words”?
However, But, Yet, Nevertheless, Even so
What is the function of “Contrast” signal words”?
to change the direction or disputing an earlier point.
What are some “Premise” signal words?
Because, Since, For, After all
What are FOUR common types argument?
causal, prediction, plan, profit
What are three broad categories of CR questions?
structure-based, assumption-based and evidence-based
What are the goals of structure-based family questions?
identify the roles of the boldface portions
describe how a certain piece of information affects the argument
In the passage, the mayor challenges the council member’s argument by doing which the following?
What type of CR question is this?
Structure-based family question
What are the goals of assumption-based family questions?
identify unstated assumption
identify new piece of info that strengthen argument
identify new piece of info that weaken argument
identify piece of info that help to determine the soundness of argument (evaluate)
identify something illogical in the argument (find the flaw)
What are the goals of evidence-based family questions?
Identify something must be true based on the given information (inference)
Explain a discrepancy
Which of the following indicates a flaw in the reasoning above?
What type of CR question is this?
Assumption-based question
Which of the following would be most useful to research in order to access the likelihood that teacher’s claim is correct?
What type of CR question is this?
Evaluate
Which of the following would be most useful to research in order to access the likelihood that teacher’s claim is correct?
What are the goals of assumption-based family questions?
Which of the following conclusion is most strongly supported by the statement given?
What type of CR question is this?
Inference
What is the word claim synonym for?
conclusion
Which answer can be “logically concluded”?
What type of CR question is this?
Inference
Which answer can be “logically concluded”?
What type of CR question is this?
Inference
The statements above “best support” which of the following “assertions”?
What type of CR question is this?
The statements above “best support” which of the following “assertions”?
What type of CR question is this?
Inference
