PHILÂ 0004. Introduction to Critical Thinking
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
A study of the principles of inductive and deductive inference and their practical applications in everyday situations such as analyzing, criticizing, and advocating ideas, evaluation of arguments, and problem solving. Examines the use of language, formal and informal fallacies, syllogistic argument forms and the scientific method. Develops the ability to integrate principles of critical thinking with the techniques of effective written argument. (C-ID PHIL 110) (CSU, UC)
PHIL 0004 - Introduction to Critical Thinking
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phil-0004/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better Hours: 54 lecture Description: A study of the principles of inductive and deductive inference and their practical applications in everyday situations such as analyzing, criticizing, and advocating ideas, evaluation of arguments, and problem solving. Examines the use of language, formal and informal fallacies, syllogistic argument forms and the scientific method. Develops the ability to integrate principles of critical thinking with the techniques of effective written argument. (C-ID PHIL 110) (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Identify and construct inductive arguments and evaluate for strengths and weaknesses. Identify and construct deductive arguments and evaluate for validity using Venn and/or truth-table diagram methods. Identify and explain common informal fallacies. Construct a clear, coherent, and cogently reasoned essay applying the skills of critical thinking. Interpret and explain concepts and perspectives from college level reading that reflect cultural diversity. Course Content Outline I. Critical Thinking - Arguments A. Distinguishing arguments from non-arguments (e.g., descriptions and explanations) B. Analysis of arguments into reasons and conclusions C. Identification of assumptions and implications D. Distinguishing between inductive and deductive arguments 1. Deductive arguments a. Translation into logical form E. Categorical propositions 1. Venn diagrams F. Sentential logic 1. Semantics 2. Syntax and formation rules 3. Rules of inference 4. Truth-functions and Truth-tables a. Proofs: rules of validity G. Categorical syllogisms 1. Square of Opposition 2. Existential/Venn Opposition H. Inductive arguments 1. Analogies 2. Generalizations 3. Causation and scientific method I. Evaluation of arguments 1. Assessment of structure and form of both propositions and arguments 2. Exposing formal and informal fallacies J. Critique of content 1. Are reasons relevant? True? Adequate? Clear and unbiased? 2. Clarifying meaning a. Ambiguity/Equivocation b. Vagueness c. Bias/Slanting d. Definitions e. Connotation/Denotation II. Critical Writing - Composition A. Development of a clear thesis statement B. Support of a thesis with reasons/evidence C. Drawing inferences from a variety of forms (e.g., statistics, testimony, authority and examples) D. Clarification of meaning and avoid unclear and slanted sentences E. Supporting positions using different types of inductive and deductive arguments F. Construction of a progression of substantial compositions 1. Advocate for one's own ideas by providing support for a claim, refuting the position of opponents and avoiding common fallacies 2. Evaluation of the written work of others by assessing structure and content Course Objectives Course Objectives Students will: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of deductive reasoning and competence in some methods of formal logic. 2. Identify the relationship between language and logic. 3. Distinguish fact from opinion and knowledge from belief. 4. Distinguish between inductive and deductive arguments and use correctly the various forms of each. 5. Analyze and evaluate increasingly complex arguments from a variety of oral and written sources, and examine their assumptions and implications. 6. Construct well organized, sustained written arguments advocating ideas and positions. 7. Write a progression of substantial essays demonstrating an increasingly sophisticated use of structure, coherence and style. Total number of words: at least 6,000. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Read the chapter deductive arguments. Translate arguments in natural language into argument forms, such as modus ponens and modus tollens argument patterns. 2. Read the chapter on informal fallacies. Examine arguments and evaluate them in terms of ad hominem, red herring and straw-man fallacies. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Construct a well-organized essay arguing for a position you advocate, using techniques of formal and informal inference. 2. Construct a clear, coherent, and cogently reasoned essay evaluating the evidence, reasons, and arguments made about a contemporary debatable issue. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...PHIL 100 PHIL 0006 PHIL 110 PHIL 0004 PHIL 120 PHIL 0002 PHIL 130 PHIL...
Humanities
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/humanities/
...Roll PHIL 0002 Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics PHIL 0004 Introduction to Critical Thinking PHIL 0006...
