Critical Thinking 301 – 2017

The main goal of our Critical Thinking class coincides with one of Francis

Bacon’s famous sayings - “Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and

take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider” (F.

Bacon, 1561-1626).

In this class we are going to “weigh and consider” the basic principles of

reasoning.

Critical Thinking 301 consists of three parts:

1.Reasoning.

We will:

(a) define and explain what reasoning is,

(b) examine the possible differences between mere thinking and conscious reasoning,

(c) analyze scientific reasoning,

(d) describe the character of inductive as well as deductive reasoning.

2.Arguments and Fallacies.

We will:
(a) examine the structure of arguments,

(b) indicate and explain strategies for assessing various arguments,

(c) characterize well-grounded reasoning versus fallacious one.

3.Implementation of critical thinking skills.

After taking this course and participating in assigned activities, students are

supposed to:

1. Recall and define the major concepts of critical thinking, such as definition, cogent

and valid reasoning, soundness of argument, deduction and induction;

2. Identify, examine, and therefore avoid, fallacious reasoning;

3. Reconstruct and evaluate arguments;

4. Form and sharpen their own argumentative ideas through a writing process;

5. Implement presented theories into everyday life situations.

Main Topics:

Jan. 17 - 23: Class 1: What is Critical Thinking? The Relevance of Critical Thinking

Jan. 24 - 30: Class 2: Rationality

Jan. 31 - Feb. 6: Class 3: Rationality and Practical Reasoning

QUIZ 1 ! Feb.12-16 (Classes 1,2,3)

Feb. 7 - 13: Class 4: Deductive Reasoning

Feb. 14 - 20: Class 5: Inductive Reasoning

Feb. 21 - 27:  Class 6: Scientific Reasoning

QUIZ 2 ! - March 4 - 8 (Classes 4,5,6)

Feb. 28 - March 6: Class 7: Argument

March 7 - 13: Class 8: Fallacies I

Enjoy SPRING RECESS: March 14 - 20!

March 21 - 27: Class 9: Fallacies II

March 28 - April 3: Class 10: Acceptability

April 4 - 10: Class 11: Relevance

QUIZ 3 ! – April 14 - 19 (Classes 7, 8, 9,10,11)

April 11 - 17: Class 12: Practical Impediments

April 18 - 24: Class 13: Individual Rationality

April 25 - May 1: Class 14: Group Rationality

May 2 - 6: Class 15: Argumentative paper. Drafts, reviews, authors' replies.

FINAL PAPERS DUE MAY 11!  (instead of final exam!)

Graded assignments:

Quiz 1 - 10%; Quiz 2 - 15%; Quiz 3 - 20%

All our quizzes are multiple-choice, open-book, time limited. You can take them at

home.

Participation (online): Classes 1, 2, 3 - 7%; Classes 4, 5, 6, 7 - 8%; Classes 8-15 - 15%;

Paper - 25%
Grading policy: 92% - 100% A; 90%-91% A-; 88% - 89% B+; 82% - 87% B; 80% - 81%,

B-, 78%-79% C+, 72%-77% C; 70% - 71% C-; 68% - 69% D+, 62%-67% D, 61-58% D-;

below 58% F.

All graded assignments must be taken on the exact date. On rare occasions, I may

grant an exception to this rule based on my discretionary decision. Students are

required to post twice a week. Most weeks contain just one session. Every student must

address every question posed by the instructor at the discussion board, unless directed

otherwise. We (your peers and I) expect clear, thorough, but relatively simple answers

appropriate for the issue at hand; overly long, or very short (such as “yes, I agree with

you”), answers won't help.

Controversial issues may be discussed, which is the nature of philosophy. Students who

are uncomfortable with any issues should contact the instructor but openness for

discussion of various issues is expected.

You can contact me at any time via email: ebogu01s@uis.edu

Technology problems?

All problems related to the use of technology should be addressed to the ITS Client

Services.

Location: Lower Level of Brookens Library, in the Media Lab, BRK 180

Phone: 217.206.6000 or toll-free in the U.S. 877.847.0443

Email: techsupport@uis.edu
Additional information about the ITS Client Services is available here:

http://www.uis.edu/its/techsupport/index.html