Reasoning Rationally

Question 1

Define: reasoning

Answer 1

-drawing conclusions or references from observation, facts, or assumptions

Question 2

What are formal reasoning problems?

Answer 2

-problems in which the information needed to draw conclusions or reach a solution is clearly specified, and there IS a single correct (best) answer

Question 3

Define: algorithim

Answer 3

-a problem-solving strategy guaranteed to produce a solution even if the user does not know how it works

Question 4

What are 2 tools of formal logic?

Answer 4

• deductive reasoning

- inductive reasoning

Question 5

Define: deductive reasoning

Answer 5

• a conclusion that follows from the truthfulness of the given premises
• if the premises are true, the conclusion is true

Question 6

Define: inductive reasoning

Answer 6

-a conclusion probably follows from the given premise, but could conceivably be false

Question 7

Science depends heavily on what type of reasoning? Why?

Answer 7

• inductive
• conclusions must be drawn from observations that are POSSIBLY true. There must ALWAYS be a possibility for faulty conclusions

Question 8

What are informal reasoning problems?

Answer 8

• problems where there is no clear, correct solution

- one must decide for themselves what the most reasonable approach, or solution is

Question 9

Define: heuristic

Answer 9

-a rule of thumb that suggests a course of action or guides problem solving, but does NOT guarantee an optimal solution

Question 10

Define: dialetical reasoning

Answer 10

-weighing and comparing opposing facts and ideas, with a purpose for determining the best solution, or solving differences

Question 11

King and Ketchener have identified 7 cognitive stages on the road to reflective judgment (critical thinking). What are they?

Answer 11

-2 prereflective stages
-3 quasireflective stages
last 2 stages reflective judgment

Question 12

How do prereflective thinkers judge?

Answer 12

• they DO NOT distinguise between knowledge or belief, or belief and evidence
• they see no reason to justify a belief

Question 13

How do quasi-reflective thinkers judge?

Answer 13

• they believe any judgment about evidence is SUBJECTIVE

- they defend by stating, “everyone is entitled to their own opinion”

Question 14

How do reflective thinkers judge?

Answer 14

• will consider evidence from a variety of sources

- will reason dialetically