The Art of Questioning An Introduction to Critical Thinking

by Flage, Daniel, Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9780130936998
• ISBN10: 0130936995
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-06-17
• Publisher: Pearson
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

With a systematic approach to critical thinking, this volume begins with issues concerning words, examines techniques for evaluating explanations and arguments, and concludes by applying all the skills to reading essays and writing argumentative essays. With examples and exercises that show the scope to which critical thinking skills can and should be applied, this volume recognizes the difference in learning styles with a reader friendly approach.The volume addresses the use of language arguments, checking the evidence through observations, testimony and values and obligations, categorical syllogisms, propositional arguments, inductive arguments, fallacies and large-scale applications.For individuals interested in an exhaustive treatment of critical thinking and writing.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
A Note to Instructors	xi
A Note to Students	xiii
Acknowldgments	xiv
Introduction	xv
PART I Some Uses of Language	1	(42)
The Informative Function of Language	2	(11)
Ambiguity	4	(3)
Vagueness	7	(2)
Factual and Verbal Disputes	9	(4)
The Directive Function of Language	13	(5)
Statements and Commands	16	(2)
The Emotive Function of Language	18	(6)
Descriptive Passages	24	(9)
Accuracy	28	(2)
Completeness	30	(3)
Explanations	33	(10)
An Extended Example	37	(6)
PART II Arguments	43	(56)
Deduction	44	(6)
Induction	50	(8)
Recognizing Arguments	58	(13)
Indicator Words Are Not Enough	60	(11)
Tree Diagrams for Arguments	71	(28)
How to Build an Argument Tree	71	(5)
Longer Passages	76	(8)
One More Real Argument	84	(15)
PART III Checking the Evidence	99	(42)
Observation: When Should Seeing Be Believing?	100	(9)
Testimony: Whom Do You Trust?	109	(15)
Evaulating Research Sources	116	(8)
Values and Obligations	124	(17)
Moral and Aesthetic Arguments	125	(1)
On Morals	126	(8)
Aesthetics	134	(1)
Elements of Art	135	(6)
PART IV Categorical Syllogisms	141	(60)
Categorical Propositions	142	(4)
Categorical Syllogisms	146	(6)
Standard Form Categorical Syllogisms	148	(4)
Rules for Judging Validity	152	(7)
Venn Diagrams	159	(9)
Missing Premises and Conclusions	168	(13)
Rules	169	(3)
Venn Diagrams	172	(9)
Conversion, Obversion, and Squares of Opposition	181	(9)
Squares of Opposition: The Boolean Square	183	(3)
Squares of Opposition: The Aristotelian Square	186	(4)
Living in the Real World	190	(11)
Nonstandard Quantifiers	190	(2)
Reducing the Number of Terms	192	(2)
Singular Propositions	194	(7)
PART V Propositional Arguments	201	(50)
Simple and Compound Statements	202	(7)
Truth Tables	209	(11)
Tautologies, Contractions, and Contingent Statements	217	(1)
Logical Equivalence	218	(2)
Common Propositional Argument Forms	220	(13)
Simplification	221	(1)
Conjunction	221	(1)
Affirming the Antecedent	221	(1)
Denying the Consequent	222	(1)
Hypothetical Syllogism	223	(2)
Disjunctive Syllogism	225	(1)
Constructive Dilemma	226	(1)
Destructive Dilemma	227	(1)
Common Invalid Argument Forms	227	(6)
Enthymemes, Argument Chains, and Other Hazards	233	(12)
Some Logical Equivalences	245	(6)
PART VI Inductive Arguments	251	(68)
Analogies	252	(28)
Evaluating Arguments by Analogy	259	(21)
Generalizations and Surveys	280	(14)
Sampling and Surveys	285	(9)
Hypotheses, Explanations, and Inference to the Best Explanation	294	(25)
PART VII Informal Fallacies	319	(58)
Fallacies of Ambiguity	320	(9)
Equivocation	320	(2)
Amphiboly	322	(1)
Accent	322	(2)
Division	324	(1)
Composition	325	(4)
Fallacies of Relevance	329	(20)
Appeal to Force	330	(1)
Personal Attack	331	(3)
Mob Appeal	334	(1)
Appeal to Pity	335	(2)
Problems with Principles	337	(3)
Accident	337	(2)
Stereotypes	339	(1)
Genetic Fallacy	339	(1)
Straw Person	340	(1)
Red Herring	340	(1)
Irrelevant Conclusion	341	(8)
Fallacies of Presumption	349	(9)
Begging the Question	349	(2)
Complex Question	351	(1)
Suppressed Evidence	352	(1)
False Dichotomy	353	(5)
Fallacies of Weak Induction	358	(19)
Appeal to Authority	359	(2)
Appeal to Ignorance	361	(1)
Hasty Generalization	361	(1)
False Cause	362	(3)
Slippery Slope (Wedge)	365	(1)
Weak Analogy	366	(11)
PART VIII Reading and Writing Essays	377	(100)
How to Read an Essay	378	(26)
Essays for Analysis	392	(12)
``Monica What's-Her-Face and `Responsible Journalism'''	392	(1)
Tom Magliozzi
``Titanic''	393	(2)
Roger Ebert
``Half-Baked Science''	395	(3)
Ray Magliozzi
``Verbicide''	398	(6)
David W. Orr
Writing an Argumentative Essay	404	(73)
Getting Started: Know Where You're Going!	405	(3)
The Body: The Road and Its Guideposts	408	(8)
Keep Your Audience in Mind	410	(1)
Keep It Simple	410	(2)
Capture Your Audience's Interest	412	(1)
Know Your Topic Thoroughly	413	(1)
Objections and Replies	414	(1)
Keep Focused	415	(1)
And Revise, and Revise, and Revise	415	(1)
A Checklist for Writing Essays	416	(3)
Solutions to the Odd-Numbered Problems	419	(58)
Glossary	477	(20)
Index	497