Philosophy

Philosophy Study Guide

● Offer the explanations, arguments, and evidence that support your point of view ● Consider the point of views of others ● Arrive at a logical conclusion, decision, solution, or prediction ● Consider the consequences ● Sees knowledge and truth as goals that we are striving to achieve ● Challenging journey involves passing through different stages of critical thinking 1.6 Stages in Critical Thinking There are many aspects involved in fostering critical thinking in an individual. Critical thinking is clear, reasoned thinking which involves critique. During the process of critical thinking, ideas should be reasoned, well thought-out, and judged. There are many stages involved in the critical thinking process and they are outlined below to help support and foster core critical thinking skills. ● The Garden of Eden: See the world in black and white, and right and wrong. Our role is to accept information without question or criticism. ● Anything goes: All beliefs are of equal value. We cannot determine which beliefs make more sense than other beliefs. ● Thinking critically: Accept that some viewpoints are better than others. This is not because people someone says so but because there are compelling reasons to support these viewpoints. 1.7 Logical Reasoning Logical reasoning is the process which uses arguments, statements, and premises to define whether a statement is true or false. Logical reasoning seeks to establish the rules of correct reasoning, clear understanding, and valid arguments by engaging in dialogue which involves the systematic exchange of ideas allowing the individual to see issues from various perspectives and develop reasons to support a conclusion. Logical reasoning consists of four areas: arguments, informal fallacies, validity, and soundness. 1.8 Argument Forms An argument is a form of thinking in which certain statements (reasons or premises) are offered in support of another statement (a conclusion). Reasons or premises are statements that support or justify or make the conclusion more probable. Conclusions are statements that explain, assert, or predict on the basis of the reasons that are offered as evidence for it. Certain key words (cue words) are used to signal that a reason is being offered in support of a conclusion or that a conclusion is being announced on the basis of certain reason.

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