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Critical Thinking – Exam One

You only need to answer 6 of these – your choice. The answer to “How long do these have to be?” is 1) long enough to answer every part of the question, and 2) long enough to fully explain your reasoning. 10 points each.

1. Do you think critical thinking is a valuable skill? Why? Please explain.

2. How does what the book calls the “almighty self” present an obstacle to critical thinking? Have you seen this happen in your own life? Please explain.

3. What is confirmation bias and how does it present an obstacle to critical thinking? Have you seen this happen in your own life? Please explain.

4. What specifically does Clifford think that the shipowner did wrong? Do you think that the shipowner did something wrong? Is it the same thing as what Clifford thinks he did wrong? Please explain.

5. What are two ways that personal experience can present an obstacle to critical thinking? How have you seen these happen in your own life? Please explain.

6. We discussed the three headlines regarding an outbreak of whooping cough. What was the point of this discussion? How have you seen this sort of thing happen in your own life? Please explain.

7. How does advertising get in the way of critical thinking? Please explain and provide two examples not discussed in class.

You only need to answer 4 of these – your choice. The answer to “How long do these have to be?” is 1) long enough to answer every part of the question, and 2) long enough to fully explain your reasoning. 10 points each.

1. How would you construct an ideal deductive argument? Please explain and provide an original example.

2. How would you construct an ideal inductive argument? Please explain and provide an original example.

3. What is the difference between necessary conditions and sufficient conditions? Please provide an original example of each.

4. We discussed four valid argument forms. Please name them and provide an original example of each.

5. We discussed two invalid argument forms. Please name them and provide an original example of each.

Your final question is: What do you think of this class so far? What do you like? What do you not like? Honest opinions are appreciated! 10 points.