Title: TOPIC 6: Logic (Thinking about Thinking)
Course: Introduction to Critical Thinking > Section: Course Content

TOPIC 6 - Logic (Thinking about Thinking)

6.1 Introduction
Broadly speaking, logic is a system of proof and inference. In this topic you will learn the different types of logic,

the role of language in thinking, the logic of judgement and reasoning, and how to identify false arguments.

Man, unlike other animals, does not act purely on instinct. He is homo sapiens, thinking man and his thinking follows an ordered process using his intellect.

The order that man employs in the thinking process is important not in forming his ideas and is often eventually reflected in man’s actions.
The detailed content is Topic 6 Article .

6.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this topic you should be able to:

6.2.1 Explain material and formal logic.
6.2.2 Identify and explain common fallacies
6.2.3 Apply logic in different contexts

6.3 Below are the resources you will need
Topic 6 Article. Click here to download

Video 6.3.1 Necessary and Sufficient Conditions (3 min).

Click here to download the English transcription for the above video.

Video 6.3.2 Fundamentals: Deductive Arguments (6 min).

Click here to download the English transcription for the above video.

Video 6.3.3 Fundamentals: Abductive Arguments

Click here to download the English transcription for the above video.

Video 6.3.4 Non-Sequitur and Appeal to the Authority (5 min)

Click here to download the English transcription for the above video.

Video 6.3.5 Fallacies: Appeal to the People (5 min) .

Click here to download the English transcription for the above video.

Advice: Copy and paste the learning outcomes above in a document and fill in the answers as you read the article and watch the video above. This will help you better understand the content.

6.4 Activity (e-tivity)

Individual – Start (about 60 min) | 6.4.1 | (a) Read Topic 6 Article and the 6.3.1 – 6.3.5 Videos (links above). Make short notes of your own. (b) From the Article or the Videos you have watched, write down briefly one thing that either you didn’t know before and that struck or surprised you, or one thing that is very interesting to you. Briefly explain why it surprised or was interesting to you.

Buddy - Pair (about 60 min) | 6.4.2 | Discuss your notes with your buddy and write joint notes on a Word document (about 700 words).

Group/Class (about 60 min) | 6.4.3 | Post to the Discussion forum for Topic 6 your answer to 6.4.1 (b) and upload an attachment of your joint notes from 6.4.2. Read the notes of at least two other buddy-pairs. On the Discussion forum for Topic 6 make a comment to at least one other buddy-pair’s post as feedback either to their notes or their answer to 6.4.1

6.5 Assessment

All assessments should be uploaded  by the deadline given by your lecturer

Individual Assessment (about 120 min) | 6.5.1 | Write down real-life examples of at least 10 different types of fallacies that you have encountered. Briefly explain what type of fallacy it is and why. (1000 words max). Upload your work on the Assessment 6.5.1 (Upload) forum.
6.5.2
Write very brief answers to this quiz:

a.     Why can't we require that every claim be backed up? Refer to your notes on the video 6.3.1  before responding to this question.

b.     If the conclusion of a valid argument is false, why must one of the premises be false? Refer to your notes on the videos 6.3.2 and 6.3.3 before responding to this question.

c.     Give an example of a rumor or gossip you heard in your personal life recently and that you believed. Did you have a good reason to believe it? Why? Refer to your notes on the videos 6.3.2 and 6.3.3 before responding to this question.

Shouldn't you trust an encyclopedia over your own experience? Explain. Refer to your notes on the video 6.3.4 and 6.3.5 before responding to this question.

Upload your work to the Assessment 6.5.2 (Upload) forum.