Description
Discussion 1
Guidelines:
In Week 2 there are two choices for discussion based on this week’s readings and material.
Course Objectives: CO 1 and CO2
Description:
Option 1: Watch the four TED talks on how the brain processes different kinds of information. Using one or more, discuss something you believe you learned and how that information can help you become a better thinker and decision-maker.
Option 2: Considering what Bowell and Kemp write about Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices, first discuss the difference between such devices and Fallacies (to be covered in-depth later). Then pick out a form of advertising and discuss the named rhetorical device used and how you believe it was intended to mislead you toward a faulty conclusion. Keep in mind Rhetoric is not the same as logical Arguments.
Bowell, Tracy, and Gary Kemp. Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide, 4th ed. Routledge, 2014.
Discussion Guidelines & Grading Rubric
Discussion 2
Goal: Explore both inductive and deductive logic and the use of diagrams to better understand arguments
Course Objectives: CO3 & CO4
Description: Choose from the options below:
Option 1: Discuss the differences between deductive validity and inductive force and how each relates to the notion of truth. Discuss as well whether using argument trees, Venn diagrams, argument maps or any other visual tool would help you better understand the flow of logic.
Option 2: Do research for either “Argument mapping” or “Diagramming Arguments” and present your findings on how they work, when they should be used, and whether you see any value in using the tool(s) in your real-life activities/problem-solving.
