PHL201 Critical Reasoning (8)

This subject is an introduction to informal logic and the nature of argument, especially as it relates to real-life settings. It is designed to develop the intellectual virtues of clear thinking and rational decision-making. Students will learn to accurately interpret the many types of arguments they encounter on a day to day basis, from the mundane to exotic. They will learn not only to distinguish good arguments from bad, but also to consistently construct good arguments for themselves. From common sense to abstract reasoning, this subject promises to help each student develop the tools necessary for all other rational pursuits.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2019.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to show that particular arguments are unsound, or have unnoticed or unwanted implications
  • be equipped to diagnose fallacies in reasoning and to avoid fallacies in their own writing
  • be able to demonstrate some familiarity with the scope and content of modern applied logic

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

- What is an argument? - Pinning down argument structure - When is an argument a good one? - Looking at language - Premises: What to accept and why - Working on relevance - Deductions: categorical logic - An introduction to inductive arguments - Causal inductive arguments - Analogies: Reasoning from case to case

Contact

For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:

Current students

Future students

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: July 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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