Chapter 1 Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is a common challenge when identifying arguments in real-world passages?
Arguments are often buried in background noise—nonargumentative material like explanations, examples, or emotional appeals.
What is the main goal when analyzing a complex passage?
To identify the conclusion and premises without getting lost in unrelated information.
What is the difference between an explanation and an argument?
- Explanation: Shows why or how something is the case.
- Argument: Tries to prove that something is the case.
How can you recognize an explanation instead of an argument?
An explanation clarifies a known fact, while an argument tries to establish a claim as true.
Why are explanations easily confused with arguments?
Because both provide reasons, but only arguments aim to prove a disputed claim.
What is a statement (or claim)?
An assertion that something is or is not the case—i.e., a sentence that can be true or false.
Give an example of a non-statement.
A question (‘Is it raining?’), a command (‘Close the window.’), a greeting (‘Hello!’), or an exclamation (‘Wow!’).
What’s a premise in an argument?
A statement offered as a reason to support another statement (the conclusion).
What’s a conclusion in an argument?
The statement that the premises are intended to support or prove.
Define an argument (in critical thinking!).
A group of statements where some (premises) are offered to support another (conclusion).
How does an explanation differ from an argument?
An argument aims to show that something is true; an explanation assumes it’s true and tells why or how it is the case.
What is inference?
The mental process of reasoning from premises to a conclusion.
Name three common premise indicators.
- because
- since
- due to the fact that
Name three common conclusion indicators.
- therefore
- thus
- consequently
Why does critical thinking matter?
It helps us form well-supported beliefs, defend against error and manipulation, and examine our own lives.
Identify this as statement, question, command, or exclamation: ‘You should never hit your mother with a shovel.’
Statement (a moral claim that can be true or false).
Identify this as statement, question, command, or exclamation: ‘Stop telling lies.’
Command (not a truth-bearer).
