Critical Reasoning Flashcards
What are the two major elements of a critical reasoning argument?
Conclusion-what the author thinks and is trying to convince us of
Premise(s)-why we are supposed to be convinced of this idea
Critical reasoning arguments are never…
Logically sound
What is the structure of every argument?
Premise + assumption = conclusion
In every argument there is a …. that the author does not tell us
Assumption
What are conclusion words?
Thus Consequently Therefore So Hence For this reason As a result Indicates Suggests Accordingly If follows
What are words that proceed premises?
Because Since Given that If As a result of Due to As In view of the fact that
What are some Conclusion mental words?
Believes Claims Feels Thinks Concludes Predicts Objects Asserts Contends Takes a position Judges Blames Theorizes Has decided
What are some opinionated conclusion words
Should (not) Could (not) Might (not) Is (not) likely to/impossible Clearly Will (won’t) Must (not) be Is a mistake/ Is correct
Describe the If ..Then test for conclusions
Put the argument in an If …. Then form
The if then order must make sense
The then part is the conclusion
What is the formula for the “therefore” test for conclusions
X therefore y
Y = conclusion
What are some question stems for conclusions ?
Must
Claim
Arguments try to convince us that…
Something must be done
Something must be true
If you are given a collection of facts and info where will the conclusion be?
In the answer choices
What is an unstated premise?
An assumption
Unstated evidence on which the argument depends?
Assumption
Describe a necessary assumption
It is necessary in order for the conclusion to be true
If its false the entire argument collapses
How do you strengthen an argument?
Prove that its assumption is true
How do you weaken an argument?
Prove that its assumption is false
A good weakening answer choice should be able to go in what pattern?
Premise(s) x do not prove conclusion Y because …(weakening answer)
Strengthen questions are similar to… questions
Assumption
Because they ask you to confirm or provide more reason to believe the assumption is true
Pick an answer that adds to what you already know but…
Stays on topic
If you can find the assumption
You can figure out where the argument is weak or what needs to be strengthened
What do mimic questions ask you to do?
Use a given argument to produce a logically similar one
What should you remember when faced with a bolded statement question?
Arguments can be split into conclusion and premises
There are almost always 2 competing arguments
You can conveniently group the answer choices and eliminate “no hope” answers quickly, based on what they say about the first bolded statement
When you come to a bolded statement simply ask..?
Whose side is this on
Is it their conclusion (main opinion)
Or premise (reason for that opinion)
For bolded statement questions
Position = ?
Evidence / reason=?
Position = conclusion
Evidence/ Reason = premise
All critical reasoning questions are based on?
Arguments
What types of questions don’t have conclusions
Conclusion and paradox
Describe what a conclusion question ask you to do?
Draw your own conclusion from a set of facts.
Describe what a paradox question ask you to do?
Reconcile two seemingly contradictory pieces of information
What words signal a mimic question?
Analogous
Paralleled
What verbiage indicates a conclusion question?
Inferred
The statements above… Support which of the following
Implies
Whats the difference between a strengthen and conclusion question?
Supporting the facts = conclusion
Support the argument = strengthen
What type of question is;
The method of argumentation used in the above passage is most logically similar to which of the following?
Paradox
What type of question is;
Which of the following, if true, would most help to explain the situation presented above?
Paradox
In a conclusion question pick an answer that …
Can be proven beyond reasonable doubt
The less controversial or extreme the conclusion…
The more likely it is proven by the evidence
Watch for extreme language with conclusion questions like…
Certain Always Every Everyone Never No Impossible
