Critical Thinking - Module 7

Question 1

Argument

Answer 1

A series of statements (premise and conclusion) collated together used as a persuasive device

Question 2

Conclusion

Answer 2

The main point of an argument

Question 3

Logical Indicators

Answer 3

Key words that signals the premise and conclusion within an argument
eg. so, therefore, thus, consequently
If (the premise) then (the conclusion)

Question 4

Inductive Arguments

Answer 4

analyses elements of a subject and brings it down to possibilities to create predictive models

Question 5

Deductive Arguments

Answer 5

Arguments that account for the evidence and provide a solution or answer

Question 6

Logic

Answer 6

If an argument is logical then it will be widely accepted however not always supported
eg. if we accept premise one, and accept premise two, then logically accept the conclusion

Question 7

Valid

Answer 7

If the argument establishes factual truth

Question 8

Scattergun Argument

Answer 8

the premises around the conclusion are scattered, where different pieces of evidence are used to support the conclusion.
Some evidence may be correct and other not

Question 9

Chain Argument

Answer 9

Each premised build upon another therefore the strength of the argument rests on the connections

Question 10

Ad Hominem

Answer 10

(Fallacy) Attacks the person rather than addressing the issue to discredit the opposition

Question 11

Fallacies

Answer 11

Flaws or weakness in an argument used to persuade in ways that are not logical

Question 12

Inconsistency

Answer 12

(Fallacy) contains statements that are contradictory and can question the credibility of the argument

Question 13

Ambiguity

Answer 13

Using vague or double meanings to obscure the meaning and change the course of an argument

Question 14

Illegitimate appeal to higher authority

Answer 14

People who misuse authority to give opinions outside their area of authority

Question 15

Appeal to masses

Answer 15

use ideas that appeal to popularity or has been acceptable for a long time

Question 16

False dilemma

Answer 16

Implies there is only two solutions to an issue )black or white)

Question 17

Faulty Classification

Answer 17

Stereotyping

Question 18

Misuse of Statistics

Answer 18

Using stats that have either: small sample size, faulty comparison, biased stats, or unknowable stats

Question 19

False Analogy

Answer 19

an argument that relies on comparison of two situations that are essentially different
eg. Minds, like rivers, can be broad. The broader the river, the shallower it is. Therefore, the broader the mind, the shallower it is

Question 20

Faulty Cause/effect

Answer 20

Because one event precedes another, a cause/effect relationship does not necessarily exist.
eg. Since the Mayor was elected, crime has escalated

Question 21

Appeal to pity

Answer 21

attempt to substitute feelings of sympathy for merits in a case

Question 22

Emotive Language

Answer 22

Attempts to arouse emotion to oversimplify and distract the receiver to evoke feelings of fear, hate, shame etc.

Question 23

Absolute Terms

Answer 23

Terms that will sway an argument unreasonably
eg. always, never, countless, infinite etc.

Question 24

Faulty Generalisation

Answer 24

generalisations based on insufficient evidence
eg. University students drink a lot of beer, so they obviously have too much spare time and money.

Question 25

Vertical Thinking

Answer 25

selective thinking focus on sequential and accurate details that follows the most likely path

Question 26

Lateral Thinking

Answer 26

a general approach that is diverse and generates a direction while considering all evidence, even if incorrect
eg. developed through brainstorming