Unit 1 (Introduction to Critical Thinking) Key Words

A List of Key Terms for the F501 Exam

?
Argument
An attempt to persuade someon to accept a particular point of view. There must be a conclusion supported by, at least, one reason
1 of 23
Explanation
Similar to an argument; comes in more than one part and may contain 'because'. Presents something as factual (i.e. something that has already or will happen and will also tell you why or how that fact came or will come about
2 of 23
Rant
A series of opinionated statements that do not work together in a persuasive or structured way
3 of 23
List of Information
A series of related statements that intend to give information, such as a report or a description of the way something works
4 of 23
Indicator Words
Specific words that can act as markers for argument elements
5 of 23
Argument Element
A named part of an argument (i.e. conclusion, reason, counter-assertion, example etc)
6 of 23
Main Conclusion (C)
Argument element that is supported by reasons
7 of 23
Reason (R1, R2, R3 etc)
Argument element that supports/leads directly to the Main Conclusion
8 of 23
Counter-Assertion (CA)
A lone conclusion that opposes an argument
9 of 23
Counter-Argument (CA)
Conclusion and reasons that oppose an argument
10 of 23
Evidence
Argument element that supports reasons
11 of 23
Example
Argument element that illustrates/demonstrates evidence or reasons
12 of 23
Hypothetical Reasoning
A reason that consists of a condition being necessary for a consequence to follow
13 of 23
Assumption
Series of unstated 'suppositions' (steps) that an argument relies upon
14 of 23
Principle
Rule-like statements or guidelines for actions that are intended to apply over a wide range of situations; statements of opinion about priorities or how one should behave
15 of 23
Corroboration/Consistency of Accounts
Two or more accounts giving the same sequence of events
16 of 23
Reputation
Belief about someone/thing due to previous experience
17 of 23
Ability to See/Percieve
How well one can see/hear what happens
18 of 23
Vested Interest
A pleasing outcome for the party behind the argument if their view is accepted
19 of 23
Expertise
Specialist knowledge in a particular field, appeal to the authority of an expert witness
20 of 23
Neutrality
How impartial a source is
21 of 23
Credibility
The extend to which you can believe an account based on the party behind the argument
22 of 23
Plausibility
The extent to which you can believe an argument based on the information included in the argument itself
23 of 23

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Similar to an argument; comes in more than one part and may contain 'because'. Presents something as factual (i.e. something that has already or will happen and will also tell you why or how that fact came or will come about

Back

Explanation

Card 3

Front

A series of opinionated statements that do not work together in a persuasive or structured way

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

A series of related statements that intend to give information, such as a report or a description of the way something works

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Specific words that can act as markers for argument elements

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Critical Thinking resources:

See all Critical Thinking resources »