Critical thinking

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  • Created by: Ellie48
  • Created on: 07-12-17 17:44
argument
an attempt to persuade a reader to accept something. An argument most have a conclusion and at least one reason. (because, as, since, due to, such as)
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conclusion
a statement of something that the writer wants the reader to accept based on reasons given. (therefore, so, thus, it follows that, consequently, should ... ought ...)
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reason
a statement that aims to persuade the reader to accept a conclusion
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claim
a statement or judgement that can be challenged
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because test
insert the word because before a potential reason to verify whether it is a reason or not.
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therefore test
insert therefore to check if something is a conclusion
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counter- argument
An additional argument that is against, or counter to, what the conclusion seeks to establish. The writer normally presents the counter-argument in order to dismiss it. (must have a reason and a conclusion.) (on the other hand, however, but, despite
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counter- assertion
the writer presents a reason that would support an opponent's argument, rather than a whole counter-argument (on the other hand, however, but, despite this, some may argue, although)
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intermediate conclusion
a conclusion that is formed on the way to the main conclusion. The intermediate conclusion is supported by reasons and gives support to/acts as a reason for the main conclusion.
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test for Intermediate/main conclusion
1- identify all conclusions (therefore test + indicator words.) , 2- decide which one of the statements supports the other (check by swapping them round) 3 - the statement that is supported is the main conclusion.
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hypothetical reasoning
this is when a hypothetical claim is used as a reason to support a conclusion. An "if... then" statements which looks at the consequence that might occur if something were the case (if, then)
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assumption
a missing reason in an argument that is necessary for the conclusion to be drawn from. The writer has accepted the assumption, but not stated it.
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the negative test
finds assumptions 1- identify a possible assumption 2- reverse the statement (make it negative) 3- insert it into the argument 4- if the conclusion no longer works an assumption has been identified.
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fact
information that can be verified and that is held to be true
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evidence
something that is used to develop or support a reason. Evidence is often in the form of numerical data, an estimate or a factual claim. (for example, for instance, such as)
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example
a specifica instance that is used to illustrate/ support a reason/claim. (a case that shows this for instance, for example) examples support reasons by demonstrating that the general statement is not just an abstract idea, but occurs in real life.
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credibility
whether someone's claims or evidence can be believed.
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plausibility
whether or not a claim or piece of evidence is reasonable
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source
a person, organisation or document providing information or evidence
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ability to perceive
a source's ability to use any of the five senses to assess an event - did they see whole thing?, stressed?, disability?, drugs?
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reputation
what is generally said or believed about the character of a person or an organisation - assumes someone's past performance is a guide to how they will act in the future (can be positive/negative)
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vested interest
personal interest, usually financial, in a state of affairs/organisation leading to the expectation of personal gain from a favourable outcome. - VE provides a motive to say one thing rather than another - incentive to present one interpretation.
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expertise
skills, expertise and training that gives someone specialist knowledge and judgement - having expertise suggests someone is reliable.(must be relevant) - they could still have vested interest
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Neutrality
being impartial; having no reason to favour either side in a dispute or difference of opinion - should have no connection to parties involved, not motive to distort/lie. (Bias is a counterpart to neutrality)
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corroboration
confirmation of, or support for, evidence given by one source or another- is there conflicting evidence? (corroborating evidence means they are more reliable) - if they don't corroborate the scale of difference must be considered (detail -important?)
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inconsistency
when evidence or an argument contain two claims which cannot both be true at the same time.
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bias
tendency to be prejudices against, or in favour of, certain beliefs or people who engage is particular activities. Gives a motive or subconscious reason to lie/misrepresent/distort info/evidence
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is an account balanced?
is the language emotive or reasoned?, does the evidence demonstrate bias or neutrality?, are alternative viewpoints considered?
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explanation
reason(s) to show why something is the way it is but it is not trying to persuade the reader of anything - inform about generally uncontroversial facts.
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analogies
a form of argument which use parallels between similar situations to persuade the audience to accept a conclusion - suggests situations are similar (identify precisely situations compared and the conclusion supported by the analogy)
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general principle
a guide to action which can be applied to a range of circumstances, beyond the immediate context of the argument. Principles could be used as reasons, conclusions or assumptions.
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contradiction
this is a specific form of inconsistency. Ideas or facts which are contradictory say exactly the opposite thing.s
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ambiguous
a word or phrase is ambiguous if it can have more that one meaning and it is not clear which meaning is intended in a particular context.
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conflation
- treating two different concepts as if they were the same
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arousing emotion
some erroneous patterns of reasoning mislead people by arousing emotion, which tends to distract attention from the argument's lack of logic
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appeals
rhetorical devices which act as a substitute for rational argument.
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strong conclusion
a conclusion that is very specific and tightly designed
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

a statement of something that the writer wants the reader to accept based on reasons given. (therefore, so, thus, it follows that, consequently, should ... ought ...)

Back

conclusion

Card 3

Front

a statement that aims to persuade the reader to accept a conclusion

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

a statement or judgement that can be challenged

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

insert the word because before a potential reason to verify whether it is a reason or not.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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