LibGuides: PHL238: Module 1

Module 1 Required Resources

Textbook

Your course textbook can be accessed via the DART eBook link in the Getting Started module.

Critical Thinking by Brooke Noel Moore; Richard Parker
ISBN: 9781260241020
Publication Date: 2020-03-01
Moore, B.N. & Parker, R. (2021). Critical Thinking (13th edition). McGraw Hill.

Read:

Chapter 1: Driving Blindfolded
- This chapter introduces students to an understanding of critical thinking as critiquing reasoning. Basic concepts are defined, the elements and purposes of argumentation are discussed, and a ground-level understanding of the difference between objective and subjective claims is developed. Finally, criteria for evaluating the credibility of claims and sources are reviewed.
Chapter 2: Two Kinds of Reasoning
- This chapter reviews the general features of arguments and explains the basic difference between deductive and inductive reasoning.
Chapter 4: Credibility
- This chapter covers important criteria for evaluating the credibility of sources and claims.

Module 1 Optional Resources

Videos

Articles

Bothsiderism
Aikin, S. F., & Casey, J. P. (2022). Bothsiderism. Argumentation, 36(2), 249-268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10503-021-09563-1
This paper offers students a sophisticated look at a type of fallacy that is often not recognized as such: mistaking disagreement over an issue as reason for compromising between the two sides or for suspending judgment as the best solution. When considering the two sides of an issue, it is not always the case that both sides are equally close to the truth or that establishing a middle-ground position between the two sides is the best way to be fair to both sides. In some cases, the search for truth is best accomplished by continuing the discussion rather than merely agreeing to disagree; in other cases, the bothersiderism fallacy keeps a discussion open that should have been decided given the strength of the evidence on one side. This particular meta-argumentative fallacy, although not covered in the course textbook, is one students will benefit from knowing about.
Argument, Counterargument, & Refutation
Hutchison, N. (n.d.). Argument, Counterargument, & Refutation. In English 087: Academic Advanced Writing: A Guide for Writers. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.howardcc.edu/engl087/chapter/argument-counterarg-refutation/
This article illustrates how to use the elements of argumentation in an argumentative essay.
Argument (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
McKeon, M. (n.d.) Argument. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. http://www.iep.utm.edu/argument/
This article presents a formal reading on argumentation.

Misc. Resources

How We Argue
How We Argue is an interactive textbook designed by Harvard philosophers that helps learners learn about philosophical argumentation and practice their logical reasoning skills. The creators of this tool describe it as a “boot camp for arguments” because it asks users to work through numerous practice exercises to help them to strengthen their “logic muscles." There is a $25 fee for access to this learning tool. You have similar sorts of practice exercises in the course textbook and within the course itself, but this is a wonderful resource if you want a curated and interactive format in which to practice the skills of argumentation and sharpen your logical reasoning acumen.

Critical Thinking & Arguments
You may find these PowerPoint slides on Critical Thinking & Arguments to be a useful review of this Module's concepts.
Basic Concepts of Logical Arguments
You may find these PowerPoint slides on Basic Concepts of Logical Arguments to be a useful review of this Module's concepts.