WGU D265 - CRITICAL THINKING - REASON AND EVIDENCE ALREADY GRADED
A+
Critical Thinking - (ANSWER)The ability to think carefully about thinking and reasoning, to
evaluate claims about truth by using reason and evidence
Propositions - (ANSWER)Statements that can be true or false
Non-Propositions - (ANSWER)Sentences that are not statements about matters of fact (or
@#$%^&*()_
fiction). They do not make a claim that can be true or false.
Simple Propositions - (ANSWER)Have no internal logical structure, meaning whether they are
true or false does not depend on whether a part of them is true or false. They are simply true or
false on their own.
ex. The Sky is Blue
Complex Propositions - (ANSWER)Have internal logical structure, meaning they are composed
of multiple simple propositions.
ex. The floor has been mopped and the dished have been done
Premise - (ANSWER)A statement supporting an arguments conclusion
Conclusion - (ANSWER)A summary based on evidence or facts
Deductive Argument - (ANSWER)Leads to a conclusion based on general principles. Guarantees
truth if premises are true
Inductive Argument - (ANSWER)Leads to a probable conclusion based on observation but isn't
certain. Suggest the likelihood of something.
Valid Argument - (ANSWER)a deductive argument that does in fact provide logically conclusive
support for its conclusion
Invalid Argument - (ANSWER)a deductive argument that does not offer logically conclusive
support for the conclusion
Strong Argument - (ANSWER)an inductive argument that does in fact provide probable support
for its conclusion
Weak Argument - (ANSWER)an inductive argument that does not give probable support to the
conclusion
, WGU D265 - CRITICAL THINKING - REASON AND EVIDENCE ALREADY GRADED
A+
Sound Argument - (ANSWER)a valid argument with true premises
Unsound Argument - (ANSWER)a deductive argument that is invalid, has one or more false
premises, or both
@#$%^&*()_
Cogent Argument - (ANSWER)a strong argument with true premises
Uncogent Argument - (ANSWER)an inductive argument that is weak, has one or more false
premises, fails to meet the total evidence requirement, or any combination of these
Affirming the Consequent - (ANSWER)If A, Then C
Yes C.
Therefore, A
Denying the Antecedent - (ANSWER)If A, Then C.
Not A.
Therefore, Not C.
Confirmation Bias - (ANSWER)to accept evidence that supports our existing beliefs while
dissmissing evidence that challenges our belief
Selection Bias - (ANSWER)This kind of bias happens when the sample we generalize from is
too small or is not representative of the larger target population
Selective Reporting - (ANSWER)This occurs when the same data is reported differently to
achieve different rhetorical goals.
ex. A journal only posting studies with positive results
Thinking Fast and Slow
System 1
System 2 - (ANSWER)Thinking Fast and Slow: The right way to respond to bias is to be aware
of its influence on our reasoning and take steps to counteract that influence when possible
System 1: An automatic and emotional way of thinking
System 2: A slow and calculated way of thinking
A+
Critical Thinking - (ANSWER)The ability to think carefully about thinking and reasoning, to
evaluate claims about truth by using reason and evidence
Propositions - (ANSWER)Statements that can be true or false
Non-Propositions - (ANSWER)Sentences that are not statements about matters of fact (or
@#$%^&*()_
fiction). They do not make a claim that can be true or false.
Simple Propositions - (ANSWER)Have no internal logical structure, meaning whether they are
true or false does not depend on whether a part of them is true or false. They are simply true or
false on their own.
ex. The Sky is Blue
Complex Propositions - (ANSWER)Have internal logical structure, meaning they are composed
of multiple simple propositions.
ex. The floor has been mopped and the dished have been done
Premise - (ANSWER)A statement supporting an arguments conclusion
Conclusion - (ANSWER)A summary based on evidence or facts
Deductive Argument - (ANSWER)Leads to a conclusion based on general principles. Guarantees
truth if premises are true
Inductive Argument - (ANSWER)Leads to a probable conclusion based on observation but isn't
certain. Suggest the likelihood of something.
Valid Argument - (ANSWER)a deductive argument that does in fact provide logically conclusive
support for its conclusion
Invalid Argument - (ANSWER)a deductive argument that does not offer logically conclusive
support for the conclusion
Strong Argument - (ANSWER)an inductive argument that does in fact provide probable support
for its conclusion
Weak Argument - (ANSWER)an inductive argument that does not give probable support to the
conclusion
, WGU D265 - CRITICAL THINKING - REASON AND EVIDENCE ALREADY GRADED
A+
Sound Argument - (ANSWER)a valid argument with true premises
Unsound Argument - (ANSWER)a deductive argument that is invalid, has one or more false
premises, or both
@#$%^&*()_
Cogent Argument - (ANSWER)a strong argument with true premises
Uncogent Argument - (ANSWER)an inductive argument that is weak, has one or more false
premises, fails to meet the total evidence requirement, or any combination of these
Affirming the Consequent - (ANSWER)If A, Then C
Yes C.
Therefore, A
Denying the Antecedent - (ANSWER)If A, Then C.
Not A.
Therefore, Not C.
Confirmation Bias - (ANSWER)to accept evidence that supports our existing beliefs while
dissmissing evidence that challenges our belief
Selection Bias - (ANSWER)This kind of bias happens when the sample we generalize from is
too small or is not representative of the larger target population
Selective Reporting - (ANSWER)This occurs when the same data is reported differently to
achieve different rhetorical goals.
ex. A journal only posting studies with positive results
Thinking Fast and Slow
System 1
System 2 - (ANSWER)Thinking Fast and Slow: The right way to respond to bias is to be aware
of its influence on our reasoning and take steps to counteract that influence when possible
System 1: An automatic and emotional way of thinking
System 2: A slow and calculated way of thinking
