Writing Logically, Thinking Critically (Chapters 1-3) – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Critical:
answer
Censorious or faultfinding
question
Greek and Latin definition of: Critical
answer
Being able to discern or separate
question
What must we defend ourselves against in critical thinking?
answer
It's important to have an open mind. We must learn to defend ourselves against false claims, questionable judgements, and confusing or deceptive arguments.
question
Worldview
answer
A set of assumptions about the world and the behavior of people in it.
question
What does it mean to have an open mind?
answer
To listen to others attentively.
question
Subjective vs. Objective
answer
Rather than facts driving belief, our beliefs can dictate the facts.
question
What are the stages of writing?
answer
Creating, shaping, correcting.
question
What happens in free writing?
answer
You begin writing your topic on a blank sheet, but instead of jotting down words and phrases, you'd write continuously, using sentences.
question
Metaphor:
answer
A figure of speech that helps us understand one thing in terms of another.
question
Analogy:
answer
A comparison of two or more things. It's explicit, not implicit as a metaphor is.
question
Inference:
answer
A conclusion about the unknown made on the basis of the known.
question
Imply:
answer
To suggest, indicate indirectly, or hint at.
question
Facts:
answer
Is info that can be verified.
question
Do facts have the power to change our minds?
answer
No. On the contrary, it has the opposite effect. It makes us feel more strongly about our beliefs when our beliefs are presented with new facts.
question
Backfire:
answer
A natural defense mechanism to avoid that cognitive dissonance.
question
Rather than facts driving beliefs...
answer
Our beliefs can dictate the facts.
question
Motivated reasoning:
answer
If we believe something about the world, we are more likely to passively accept as truth any information that confirms our beliefs, and actively dismiss information that doesn't.
question
Judgement:
answer
Is also an inference, but although many inferences are free of positive or negative connotation. It always expresses the writers or speaker's approval or disapproval.
question
How is judgement used in advertising?
answer
The visual image provides the evidence leading to an inference that usually carries a judgement.
question
Explicit:
answer
Clearly stated our explained, distinctly expressed.
question
Implicit:
answer
Suggested or hinted at, not directly expressed.
question
Opinion:
answer
When we offer our own views on an issue.
question
Conclusion:
answer
The key assertion in an argument, the statement that other assertions support; the point one has to make when presenting an argument.
question
Premises:
answer
Reasons that support the conclusion.
question
What should an argument have?
answer
At least one conclusion and one premise.
question
Joining words:
answer
Conjunctions and transitional words and phrases - indicate and thus often help us make this distinction.
question
What are terms frequently used to introduce premises?
answer
"Because" and "since".
question
What are terms frequently used to introduce conclusions?
answer
"So", "therefore", "thus", "hense", and "consequently"
question
What term connects premises?
answer
"And"
question
Why is joining words important?
answer
They're essential to conveying a logical sequence of thought.
question
Standard form:
answer
A simplified method of outlining and thus summarizing arguments.
question
Argument:
answer
You present reasons for your conclusion in order to convince someone of your point of view.
question
In logic, what does argument mean?
answer
To refer to rational discourse composed of premises and a conclusion rather than a fight.
question
Hidden assumptions:
answer
Missing, misstated premises and conclusions in arguments assertions that are necessary to recognize in order to fully understand an argument.
question
Occam's razor:
answer
Founded by a 14th century European philosopher stating, a provisional judgement or belief, requiring proof or support; a first step in development and argument.
