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Critical Thinking > Module 6B > Flashcards

Module 6B Flashcards

1
Q

What does good reasoning require? 2

A
  1. Relevance
  2. Clarity
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2
Q

What is the importance of Clarity in Reasoning?

Understanding the Relationship between Clarity and Reasoning…

A
  1. Good reasoning necessitates relevance and clarity in the reasons provided for the conclusion
  2. Clarity is crucial for EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION and COGENT ARGUMENTS.
  3. Clarity is essential for AVOIDING FALLACIES that hinder effective reasoning.”
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3
Q

Lack of Clarity means:

A

Lack of clarity can make REASONS IRRELEVANT TO THE INTENDED PURPOSE.

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4
Q

Elements of Clarity:

A

Elements contributing to clarity include :

  1. RELEVANT REASONS
  2. CLEAR COMMUNICATION
  3. DEFINITIONS play a significant ROLE IN IMPROVING CLARITY clarity,
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5
Q

Understanding Fallacies of clarity

A
  1. “Problems hindering clarity = fallacies of clarity.”
  2. various ways in which clarity can be impeded in reasoning.”
  3. “Understanding and addressing these fallacies is vital for sound argumentation.”
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6
Q

What are Multiple meaning words?

A

Some words have multiple WELL-DEFINED meanings with PRECISE BOUNDARIES.

  1. Some words have MULTIPLE, INDEPENDENT MEANINGS.

Ambiguity and equivocation involve uncertainties in term meanings.

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7
Q

Equivocation Definition

A
  1. Equivocation is the act of SHIFTING BETWEEN TWO DISTINCT SENSES tOF A TERM WHILE PRETENDING TO USE ONLY ONE.
  2. MISLEADING USE OF THE WORD

3.”Equivocation involves redefining a term and then relying on its customary meaning during an argument.”

  1. “Another technique is proposing to use a term with a qualifier, then arguing as if the qualifier doesn’t exist.”
  2. “Commonly used to exploit shifts in meaning for persuasive purposes.”
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7
Q

Ambiguity Defined

A
  1. Ambiguity occurs when it’s UNCLEAR WHICH PRECISE MEANING OF A TERM IS INTENDED IN A GIVEN CONTEXT.
  2. CONTEXTUAL UNCERTAINTY REGARDING A TERM’S SPECIFIC MEANING.
  3. “Ambiguity can be introduced deliberately or unintentionally in arguments.”
  4. “Taking a word with a customary meaning, redefining it, and depending on its standard meaning is a common tactic.”
  5. “Starting with a term and qualifier, then arguing as if the qualifier doesn’t exist, can create intentional or unintentional ambiguity.”
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7
Q

Shifting Meanings in Argumentation:

Argumentative Shifts:

A

In arguments, SHIFTING A TERM’S MEANING CAN CREATE AN ILLUSION OF A STRONGER CASE.

Example: McDonald’s use of “styrofoam” with a technical meaning to deflect criticism.

-McDonald’s response to environmental criticism using the term ‘styrofoam.

  • They used ‘styrofoam’ with a technical meaning that excludes polystyrene, creating a shift in meaning.
  • People commonly understand ‘styrofoam’ in a broader sense, affecting conclusions about environmental damage.
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8
Q

Common Equivocation Instances:

A

1.RE-DEFINING TERMS WITH CUSTOMARY MEANINGS (e.g., ‘waste,’ ‘freedom,’ ‘democracy’) FOR ARGUMENTATIVE ADVANTAGE.

  1. STARTING WITH TERM AND QUALIFIER BUT LATER ACTING AS IF THE QUALIFIER ISN’T PRESENT.
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8
Q

Techniques Illustration -Example Techniques:

A
  1. Techniques include REDEFINING CUSTOMARY TERMS AND ARGUING AS IF QUALIFIERS DON’T EXIST.
  2. DELIBERATE AND INADVERTENT USE OF THESE TECHNIQUES.
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8
Q

different senses Impact on Conclusions:

A

Conclusion Influence:

—- Different senses of a term CAN LEAD TO VARIED CONCLUSIONS.

—AWARENESS of equivocation aids in CRITICAL EVALUATION.

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9
Q

what is Unscrupulous Argumentation?

A

DECEPTIVE ARGUMENTATION:

  • Unscrupulous arguersMAY EXPLOIT THE EASE OF ESTABLISHING ONE SENSE OVER ANOTHER

Example: Establishing (2) more easily than (1) due to differing senses.

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10
Q

UNDERSTANDING Equivocation in Reasoning

A
  1. “Equivocation is a COMM0N FLAW IN REASONING often CHALLENGING TO DETECT.”
    - Equivocation is often hard to detect.
  2. “Example: Attempting to argue that there are no altruistic actions by equivocating the meaning of altruism.”
  3. “AMBIGUITY IS INTRODUCED AT DIFFERENT LEVELS IN THE REASO INHG PROCESS.
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10
Q

Ambiguity in Arguments against Altruism:

A
  1. “Claim: Alleged examples of altruistic actions are cases of self-interest.”
  2. “Equivocation: The reasoning supports the weaker claim that some alleged examples are self-interested.”
  3. “Not specifying ‘all’ or ‘some’ makes the equivocation more effective.”
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10
Q

Special Interpretation of Self-Interest:

A
  1. “The person arguing interprets ‘acting out of self-interest’ in a specific way.”
  2. “Acting for the interests of others is considered a special kind of self-interest.”
  3. “It’s argued that an act can benefit oneself (e.g., better sleep) while still being altruistic in nature.”
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11
Q

Reasons and Transparency in Altruistic Acts: 3

A
  1. “Reasons behind actions are not always transparent to individuals.”
  2. “Showing that an act was not purely altruistic doesn’t necessarily imply the person derives no benefit.”
  3. “Acknowledging that acts for others’ interests can also be beneficial to oneself.”
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12
Q

Equivocation IMPORTANTCE: 4

A
  1. Equivocation involves shifting meanings or terms at different levels of argumentation.
  2. Key elements: Detecting weaker claims, special interpretations, and the complexity of self-interest.

3.Equivocation is a frequent flaw in reasoning.

  1. Its significance lies in its frequency and the difficulty in detection.
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13
Q

Critical Thinking and Equivocation:

A

Essential to critically evaluate arguments for potential equivocation.

Recognizing nuanced interpretations and avoiding misleading claims.

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14
Q

Altruism Argument:

A

Claim: Alleged altruistic actions are instances of self-interest.

Mother Theresa’s actions cited as examples.

Equivocation and ambiguity operate at different levels.

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15
Q

Levels of Equivocation: *** 2

A
  1. WEAKER CLAIM: Asserting some alleged examples are cases of self-interest, not proving all.

SPECIAL INTERPRETATION: Applying a unique interpretation of self-interest, affecting the definition of altruism.

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16
Q

Weaker Claim vs. Stronger Claim

A
  1. Recognizing the difference between proving some cases vs. proving all cases.
  2. Equivocation effectiveness when terms like “examples” omit qualifiers like “all” or “some.”
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17
Q

Special Interpretation:

Interpreting Self-Interest

A

The arguer interprets acting out of self-interest in a particular way.

Acting for others’ interests may still be in one’s overall self-interest without being selfish.

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18
Q

Complex Nature of Self-Interest

Self-Interest Complexity:

A

Acting for others doesn’t exclude personal benefits.

Reasons for actions can be in terms of others’ interests, yet result in personal benefits (e.g., better sleep).

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19
Q

Transparent Reasons

Understanding Reasons:

A

Acknowledging that reasons aren’t always transparent to oneself.

Showing an act wasn’t altruistic doesn’t automatically prove personal benefits.

20
Q

WHAT IS VAGUENESS AND
Vagueness in Terms

A
  1. “Vagueness in a term or its usage makes it challenging to determine statements and exclusions.”
  2. “The more vague a term, the harder it is to evaluate the content of an argument.”

“Vagueness occurs when the BOUNDARY BETWEEN WHAT A TERM REFERS TO AND WHAT IT DOESN’T IS FUZZY”

21
Q

WHAT ARE THE Challenges of Vague Terms

A
  1. “Vague terms HINDER CLEAR COMMUNICATION, AND EVALUATION OF ARGUMENTS.”
  2. “Arguments with vague terms may LACK CLARITY, making it DIFFICULT TO ASSESS THEIR VALIDITY.”
  3. “Ordinary measurement terms like ‘tall’ and ‘thin’ are examples of vague terms.”
22
Q

Lack of Well-Defined Boundaries IN VAGUENESS.

A
  1. “Vagueness arises when terms lack well-defined boundaries between what they INCLUDE AND EXCLUDE.”
  2. “The boundaries of terms like ‘tall/non-tall’ and ‘thin/non-thin’ areNOT CLEARLY DEFINED.”
  3. “This lack of clarity in boundaries contributes to the vagueness of MEASUREMENT TERMS.”
23
Q

What is Slanting in Communication?

A
  1. Slanting involves SAYING ONE THING EXPLICITLY WHILE SUBTLY SUGGESTING ANOTHER IMPLICITLY.
  2. Careful evaluation of reasoning requires DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN IMPLICIT AND EXPLICIT STATEMENTS. .”
  3. “IMPLICIT SUGGESTIONS IN COMMUNICATION CAN BE UNAVOIDABLE, BUT QUESTIONABLE IMPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SCRUTINISED.”
24
Q

Impact of Slanting on Reasoning

A
  1. Slanting, if unchecked, UNDERMINES THE CLARITY AND COGENCY OF REASONING.
  2. IMPLICIT STATEMENTS THAT ARE HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE CAN DISTORT THE INTENDED MESSAGE.
  3. VIGILANCE AGAINST slanting is ESSENTIAL for MAINTAINING CLEAR AND UNBIASED REASONING.
25
Q

Example of Slanting

A

“Newspaper Report Example:”

“Describes an area populated by wildlife and a tribe, subtly suggesting future development as a ‘super jet port.’”

“The report uses slanting to influence perceptions about the potential development’s impact on the community.”

26
Q

Implicit vs. Explicit of Slanting:

A

Slanting combines explicit and implicit statements.

Careful evaluation is needed to separate what is explicitly stated from what is subtly implied.

27
Q

Implicit Connotations

Conveying Bias Implicitly:

A

Slanting often involves conveying bias through implicit connotations.

Recognizing implicit suggestions is crucial in understanding the full context.

28
Q

Impact on Perception

Influence on Perception: SLANTING

A

Slanting influences how information is perceived.

Implicit suggestions can shape perspectives beyond the explicit statements.

29
Q

Emotional Language in Communication:

A
  1. “Emotional language is often ASSOCIATED WITH SLANTING, introducing a SUBJECTIVE TONE TO COMMUNICATION.”
  2. “While using emotional language is NOT INHERENTLY WRONG, its MISUSE CAN IMPACT THE LOGICAL SOUNDNESS OF REASONING.”
  3. “Criticism arises when EMOTIONS are USED TO REPLACE REASON OR HIDE THE ABSENCE OF SUPPORTING REASONS.
30
Q

Purpose of Emotional Language:

A
  1. “Emotional language can be used to EVOKE FEELINGS and MAKE A COMMUNICATION MORE IMPACTFUL.”
  2. “It is NOT A LOGICAL FLAW TO APPEAL TO EMOTIONS AS LONG AS IT COMPLEMENTS REASON AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE REASON.”
  3. “MISUSE OCCURS WHEN EMOTIONAL LANGUAGE HIDES THE LACK OF SUBSTANTIVE REASONS FOR A CLAIM.”
31
Q

Logical Critique of Emotional Language: 4

Logical Fallacy and Emotional Language

A
  1. “Using emotional language is logically wrong if it means begging the question or concealing the absence of reasons.”
  2. “Critique focuses on instances where emotional appeal is used as a RHETORICAL DEVICE WITHOUT PROVIDING SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT.”
  3. “LOGICAL SOUNDNESS requires a BALANCE BETWEEN EMOTIONAL APPEAL AND REASONED ARGUMENTATION.”

4 .Logical errors may arise when emotional appeal substitutes for substantive reasoning.

32
Q

Role of Emotions in Persuasion

A

Emotional language, when used appropriately, enhances the persuasive effect of an argument.

Recognizing the legitimate role of emotions ensures a nuanced and compelling presentation.

33
Q

Critiquing Manipulative Usage

A

Critique aims to identify instances where emotional language is used manipulatively.

Manipulation occurs when emotions are employed to sway opinions without substantive reasoning.

34
Q

WHAT IS Euphemism

WHAT ARE THEY in Communication

A

“Euphemism involves using MILD OR NEUTRAL LANGUAGE to describe POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE SUBJECTS or UNPLEASANT SUBJECTS.”

“It aims to AVOID AROUSING STRONG EMOTIONS by presenting INFORMATION in a LESS VIVID OR GRAPHIC MANNER.”

“Euphemism is often employed to SOFTEN THE IMAPCT OF WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH DISTURBING, DISGUSTING AND OR EMBARRASSING TOPICS.”

35
Q

Purpose of Euphemism 3.

A
  1. “Euphemism serves the purpose of preventing the arousal of strong emotions in the audience.”
  2. “It employs bland, abstract, and non-graphic language to describe sensitive subjects with less emotional intensity.”
  3. “The intention is often to reduce opposition by presenting the information in a less confrontational manner.”
36
Q

Concealing Nature with Euphemism: 3

A
  1. “Euphemism conceals the full nature of a subject by using less direct or innocuous language.”
  2. “Commonly used to describe sensitive or unpleasant topics without providing explicit details.”
  3. “It is a linguistic strategy aimed at making information more palatable or less offensive.”
37
Q

Importance of Clarity in Communication

A
  1. Clarity in communication, especially in argumentation, demands careful attention to language use.
  2. Ambiguous and vague language can create confusion for both the speaker and the audience

3.Emotional language may introduce irrelevant elements, while euphemism can lead to the dismissal of relevant information

38
Q

Risks of Ambiguity and Vagueness

A
  1. “Ambiguous and vague language poses risks in communication, hindering clear understanding.”’
  2. “Both speaker and audience may face confusion when language lacks precision and clarity.”
  3. “Clear communication requires the avoidance of ambiguity and vagueness.”
39
Q

Pitfalls of Emotional Language and Euphemism

A

“Emotional language can divert discussions by introducing elements not strictly relevant to the issue.”

“Euphemism, while softening language, may lead to the dismissal of information that is actually relevant.”

“These pitfalls are discussed further in the lecture on ‘Fallacies of Relevance.’”

40
Q

“A criterial definition can also be an essential definition.”

A

TRUE

41
Q

A definition can be both too broad and too narrow

A

TRUE

42
Q

All stipulative definitions are ones that define how old terms are to be used in a specific context

A

FALSE

43
Q

Equivocation is a fallacy which trades on ambiguity

A

TRUE

44
Q

Every good definition of an expression ‘X’ must state the essential features that something must have in order for it to be X

A

FALSE

f that were true, then there would be no good definition of many words. Try and come up with a definition of the word “game” in terms of the essential features something must have if it is to be a “game.”

Furthermore, in some contexts what we need from a definition is not so demanding. A few good examples to point at might be all that is needed.

45
Q

Govier’s definition of ‘cogent argument’ (quoted in Lecture Notes 4B) is a good essential definition.”

A

TRUE

46
Q

One cannot criticise a stipulative definition. After all, it is a proposal by a person to use a word in a certain way.” Is the conclusion of this argument true or false?

A

FALSE

47
Q

Operational definitions are important for doing research

A

TRUE

48
Q

Operational definitions comprise one type of stipulative definition.

A

TRUE

49
Q

Reportive definitions fail when they do not accurately describe the way competent language users typically apply a term

A

TRUE

50
Q

Stipulative definitions are definitions provided in special contexts for special purposes.

A

TRUE

51
Q

“The point of introducing a new use of a current term in a specific context is that the reportive definition is unsuitable in some way, or there is no adequate reportive definition at hand.”

A

TRUE

52
Q

“To introduce a stipulative definition for a current term means that the reportive definition needs to be rejected.”

A

FALSE

53
Q

Vagueness and ambiguity are the same thing.”

A

FALSE

54
Q

A definition which enables us to understand the term in such a way that we can apply it in particular cases is an essential definition.

A

FALSE

Critical Thinking (18 decks)

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