PHIL G125: Critical Reasoning and Writing
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 03/15/2016 |
| Top Code | 150900 - Philosophy |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
This course will delve into logic and critical analysis through writing. Topics to be covered include the uses of language, distinctions between deductive and inductive reasoning, formal logical methods, and practice in detecting formal and informal fallacies. Tools will be developed for distinguishing between and evaluating beliefs, opinions, claims, explanations, and arguments. Throughout a strong emphasis is placed on instruction in writing which models the critical thinking and logical skills examined in the course. PREREQUISITE: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: ENGL 105. C-ID: ENGL 105.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Course Outcomes
- Compose structured analytical and argumentative prose absent disruptive errors in English grammar, usage, and punctuation, and that are free of formal and informal fallacies.
- Employ methodologies of deductive formal logical systems.
- Employ methods of inductive argumentation.
- Analyze ordinary language and philosophical arguments for formal and informal fallacies
Course Objectives
- 1. Use logical techniques to determine and assess the structural features and claims of arguments.
- 2. Critically evaluate and generate the elements of various types of arguments, especially inductive and deductive.
- 3. Write an argumentative paper with good formatting, persuasive reasoning, valid logical structure, and a sensitivity to the relevant objections to the arguments presented.
Lecture Content
Introduction Definition of terms and concepts logic argument proposition inference judgment deduction induction validity and cogency sound and strong arguments Exercises in reasoning Arguments Distinguishing deductive and inductive arguments: validity and soundness invalidity and unsoundness (deduction) cogency and strength (induction) truth and its role in argumentation distinction of proof from verification--certainty and probability Diagramming technique for representing general structure of an argument Argument forms Writing critical essays for critical thinking Two refined critical essays assigned Instruction in essay writing in critical thinking including a developmental process taking students through a series of steps to develop essential skills for writing the essay Language: meaning and definition Cognitive and emotive meaning Functions of language: language games Definitions: types and purpose Techniques of defining Criteria for framing definitions Fallacies: mistakes in reasoning Classification of fallacies Fallacies of evidence Fallacies of weak induction Fallacies of ambiguity and grammatical analogy The detection of fallacies in ordinary language ambiguity distinguished from vagueness introduction of linguistic concepts of “semantics” and “syntax” introduction to types of meaning change that can generate ambiguity Deductive arguments Forms of argument Validity and soundness Statements Inductive arguments< / Analogy Moral reasoning Legal reasoning Statistical reasoning Causality and scientific reasoning
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
Lectures, question and answer, classroom discussion, oral and written exercises, classroom problem presentations, written assignments for work outside the classroom, and exercises in fallacy identification.
Reading Assignments
Assigned Textbook ReadingAnalysis of Current Events and Contemporary Issues in PhilosophyAnalysis of Written ArgumentsEvaluation of Faulty and Persuasive Information Presented in the Media
Writing Assignments
The student will demonstrate the development of writing skills for analytical and argumentative prose through two sets of critical thinking written assignments, as well as essays written during class. A total of 6,000 to 8,000 words in substantial essay assignments (not including revisions) will be required of each student. Written work will be evaluated for both content and form.
Out-of-class Assignments
Research for course writing assignments, homework exercises, class presentations, and projects.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
1. Assessments critiquing the arguments of others, demonstrating an ability to analyze the argumentation presented on opposing sides of an issue.2. Assessments which identify, differentiate, and apply critical thinking concepts, such as the scientific method and inductive versus deductive arguments.3. Writing assignments free of formal and informal fallacies, demonstrating the ability to critically analyze, evaluate, and advocate ideas on important issues.4. Substantial essay assignments evaluating acceptability and consistency of premises, use of fallacies, and other rhetorical devices.5. Class presentations demonstrating oral communication skills and the ability to effectively, accurately, and persuasively present knowledge on important topics.6. Diagram and formally organize arguments that have been previously presented in prose or oral form.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
The student will demonstrate the development of writing skills for analytical and argumentative prose through two sets of critical thinking written assignments, as well as essays written during class. A total of 6,000 to 8,000 words in substantial essay assignments (not including revisions) will be required of each student. Written work will be evaluated for both content and form.
Eligible Disciplines
Philosophy: Masters degree in philosophy OR bachelors degree in philosophy AND masters degree in humanities or religious studies, OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Kahane, H. & Cavender, N.. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life, ed. New York: Wadsworth, 2014 2. Required Sinnott-Armstrong, W. & Fogelin, R.J. . Understanding Arguments: An Introduction to Informal Logic, 9 ed. New York: Wadsworth, 2015 3. Required Vaughn, L.. The Power of Critical Thinking: Effective Reasoning about Ordinary and Extraordinary Claims, ed. New York: Oxford, 2012