Scribd
Upload
6 views16 pages

Logic_and_Critical_Thinking_PreCourse

The Logic and Critical Thinking course (BSBA 158) aims to develop students' reasoning and analytical skills through lectures, discussions, and problem-solving sessions. Students will learn to identify logical structures, avoid fallacies, and construct well-structured arguments applicable across various disciplines. The course emphasizes the importance of critical thinking for decision-making, academic excellence, and ethical citizenship.

Uploaded by

generalemmanuel00
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
6 views16 pages

Logic_and_Critical_Thinking_PreCourse

The Logic and Critical Thinking course (BSBA 158) aims to develop students' reasoning and analytical skills through lectures, discussions, and problem-solving sessions. Students will learn to identify logical structures, avoid fallacies, and construct well-structured arguments applicable across various disciplines. The course emphasizes the importance of critical thinking for decision-making, academic excellence, and ethical citizenship.

Uploaded by

generalemmanuel00
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 16

Logic and Critical Thinking

Introduced
Course Title: Logic and Critical Thinking
Course Code: BSBA 158
Credit Hours: 3
Level: 100 (Undergraduate)
Lecturer: Dr. Enya Ameza-Xemalordzo
Lecture Venue: Room B4, Ayim Complex
Course Orientation
• Delivery Method:
• - Lecture-based
• - In-class discussion
• - Readings
• - Problem-solving sessions

• Course Philosophy:
• To develop well-reasoned, clear, and critical
thinkers who are equipped to engage with
complex problems, both academically and
socially.
Course Description
• This course introduces the principles of logic and the
practice of critical thinking. Students will learn how to:
• - Identify common logical structures
• - Avoid fallacies in reasoning
• - Construct and evaluate arguments
• - Improve clarity of thought and precision in
communication

• Applicable across disciplines such as:


• - Humanities
• - Sciences
• - Business
Course Objectives
• By the end of this course, students should be
able to:
• - Understand key concepts in logic (formal and
informal)
• - Analyze argument structures (truth tables,
syllogisms, diagrams)
• - Evaluate deductive and inductive reasoning
• - Detect logical fallacies
• - Construct well-structured arguments
Importance of the Course
• Why Logic and Critical Thinking?
• - Enhances decision-making
• - Promotes academic excellence
• - Supports ethical and social responsibility
• - Essential for leadership and informed
citizenship

• Real-World Application Areas:


• - Legal reasoning
• - Scientific inquiry
• - Public debates
Foundational Concepts
• What is Logic?
• - The study of principles of valid inference and
demonstration
• - Tool for separating good arguments from bad
ones

• What is Critical Thinking?


• - Reflective, open-minded, and analytical thinking
• - Involves evaluation of claims, arguments, and
evidence
Core Terminology (Part 1)
• Argument: Set of premises supporting a
conclusion
• Premise: Statement offering support
• Conclusion: Main point or claim
• Deductive Reasoning: Reasoning that
guarantees the conclusion if premises are true
• Inductive Reasoning: Reasoning that suggests
probability, not certainty
Core Terminology (Part 2)
• Validity: A deductive argument where the
conclusion logically follows
• Soundness: Valid argument with all true
premises
• Cogency: Strong inductive argument with true
premises
• Fallacy: Error in reasoning
• Bias: Unjustified preference or prejudice
Types of Arguments
• Deductive Arguments:
• - Structured to guarantee the truth of the
conclusion
• - Example: All humans are mortal. Socrates is
human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

• Inductive Arguments:
• - Offer probable support
• - Example: Every swan I've seen is white.
Therefore, all swans are white.
Fallacies to Avoid
• Relevance Fallacies:
• - Ad hominem
• - Straw man
• - Red herring

• Inductive Fallacies:
• - Hasty generalization
• - Slippery slope
• - False cause
Practical Applications
• Students will apply logic and critical thinking
to:
• - Academic writing
• - Everyday decision-making
• - Evaluating news and media
• - Ethical and legal dilemmas

• Case studies and examples will be discussed


throughout the course.
Pre-course Activities
• Before Week 1, please:
• 1. Read introductory chapters of:
• - Critical Thinking by Bassham et al.
• - Introduction to Logic by Copi & Cohen
• 2. Watch online videos:
• - Deductive vs Inductive Reasoning
• - Common Logical Fallacies
• 3. Bring to class:
• - An opinion article with a short argument
analysis
Sample Pre-Class Task
• Activity:
• - Find an opinion article
• - Identify:
• - Conclusion
• - At least two premises
• - Any emotive or biased language used
• - Be ready to present in Week 1 discussion
What to Bring to Class
• - A notebook or laptop for notes
• - Colored pens/highlighters
• - Reading materials or links
• - An open and inquisitive mind
Class Culture & Expectations
• You are expected to:
• - Attend regularly and participate actively
• - Respect diverse opinions
• - Uphold academic integrity
• - Submit assignments on time
• - Think before speaking and writing
Let’s Begin the Journey
• This course is not just about learning to argue
—
• It's about learning to think better, more
clearly, and more ethically.

• "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination


will take you everywhere." – Albert Einstein

You might also like