Beginnings
Philosophers argue to seek the...
Truth
What do you always address first?
The issue
What are premises?
Statement before a conclusion
Major premise = foundation
Minor premise = additional info
What is an argument?
Rational reasons for or against an idea to discover truth
Give an example of an issue and its arguments
Should kids under 18 drink coffee?
--Kids shouldn't drink coffee because it affects sleep and growth
Major: all humans need oxygen
Minor: Maria is a human
Maria needs oxygen
Give an example of a positive vs negative argument
Negative = emotional disagreement "you're wrong!"
Positive = collaborative reasoning defined truth "here's why this might work"
Which of the Pevensies didn't have good critical-thinking skills in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe?
Edmond
Formal vs Informal Logic
Formal Logic: focuses on the argument structure ("bones")
Informal Logic: focuses on how arguments appear in everyday language ("skin")
What does Philosopher stand for in Greek?
"Lover of wisdom"
(Greek: philos = loving, Sophia = wisdom)
What is critical thinking?
Evaluating reasoning carefully
--Spots propaganda and faulty reasoning
Why study both?
Formal logic -> sharpens structure ofarguments
Informal logic -> improves reasoning inreal-life conversations
Both = stronger thinking skills