2023 Reason and Evidence WGU D265
PROPOSITIONS
Are statements that can be true or false
NON-PROPOSITONS
Are sentences that are not statements about matters of fact or fiction. They do not make a claim that can be true or false.
SIMPLE PROPOSITIONS
Have no internal logic structure, meaning w...
2023 Reason and Evidence WGU D265
PROPOSITIONS
Are statements that can be true or false
NON-PROPOSITONS
Are sentences that are not statements about matters of fact or fiction. They do not make
a claim that can be true or false.
SIMPLE PROPOSITIONS
Have no internal logic structure, meaning whether they are true or false does not
depend on whether a part of them is true or false. They are simply true or false on their
own. (Example: Harry Potter wears glasses. The sky is blue.)
COMPLEX PROPOSITIONS
Have internal logic structure, meaning they are composed of simple propositions.
Whether they are true or false depends on whether their parts are true or false.
(Example: The sky is blue, but it does not look blue to me right now. The cat ate the
food, but he did not like it. The GDP of Canada is either $3 trillion or $12 trillion.)
Words used to identify Independent Propositions
AND, OR, EITHER, BUT, IF, THEN.
CONCLUSION INDICATORS
THEREFORE, SO, IT FOLLOWS THAT, HENCE, THUS, ENTAILS THAT, WE MAY
CONCLUDE THAT, IMPLIES THAT, WHEREFORE, AND AS A RESULT.
PREMISE INDICATORS
BECAUSE, FOR, GIVEN THAT, AS, SINCE, AS INDICATED BY.
DEDUCTIVE ARGUMENTS
Arguments where the premises guarantee or necessitate the conclusion.
-mathematical arguments, logical arguments, arguments from definition.
INDUCTION ARGUMENTS
Arguments where the premises make the conclusion probable.
-analogies, authority, causal inferences, extrapolations, etc.
INFERENCE TO THE BEST EXPLANATION OR ABDUCTION
Arguments where the best available explanation is chosen as the correct explanation.
FORMAL FALLACY
Concerns the structure of an argument
INFORMAL FALLACY
Concerns the informational content of an argument
A FORMAL FALLACY IS A TYPE OF
Bad Argument Structure
Which piece of information would be the most helpful to know in assessing the
credibility of a news story?
Whether the name of the author and the publication are identified
Which questions are most appropriate for evaluating the credibility of an
information source?
Who funded it? & Does it try to get you to distrust other sources?
While researching a topic on the internet, a student encounters two different
websites, one of that looks more official than the other and includes tables,
charts, and statistics, while the other does not.
, What is the line of reasoning this student should employ to determine which site
is more credible?
It is not feasible to determine which site is more credible from the information provided.
In which way should an information source be approached if it is stating that it is
the only source of real information and that other sources cannot be trusted?
Skeptically, because the source may lack credibility.
PRINCIPLE OF CHARITY
The principle of charity suggests we should try to understand ideas before criticizing
them.
Which of the following are reasons for applying the principle of charity?
It is morally right to give others the benefit of the doubt.
It allows for a clearer understanding of the issue.
Smith is committed to the belief that technological advancement is always
beneficial and thus never detrimental to human life. Smith reads a carefully
written and sufficiently argued essay in which the author contends that the
human adoption of any new technology involves both advantages and
disadvantages to its adopters. Since Smith is a loyal technophile, Smith accepts
the author's claims about the advantages of technology but rejects the author's
claims about the disadvantages of technology.
Which cognitive bias is Smith demonstrating?
Confirmation Bias
CONFIRMATION BIAS
the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or
theories.
COGNITIVE BIAS
a systematic thought process caused by the tendency of the human brain to simplify
information processing through a filter of personal experience and preferences.
HEURISTICS
are practical rules of thumb that manifest as mental shortcuts in judgment and decision-
making.
Which sentence reflects strong critical thinking?
"In any event, our purpose is to better understand the relevant issues so that we may
make an informed decision on the topic."
Since inflation is rising rapidly, and because we are approaching the point at
which reversal is not possible, it follows that we need to institute a new economic
policy, and we need to act quickly.Which two statements contain premises of the
given argument?
We are approaching the point at which reversal is not possible. & Inflation is rising
rapidly.
"Products manufactured in our country are the best because we make the best
automobiles," declared Kennedy. Which two descriptors best characterize
Kennedy's comments?
An inference & A weak argument & A proposition
Which two sentences are propositions?
Lending helps stimulate capital investment. & A strong economy is vital to national
security.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller ACADEMICAIDSTORE. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
