ESSAY: Every day we engage in arguments.

Every day we engage in arguments. This is another instance where defining our words is important. When we talk about critical thinking, the “arguments” we refer to are not the conflicts or squabbles we have with others in daily interactions. In critical thinking, arguments are acts of persuading others about the value of an action or point of view. Whether we want to convince someone to join our view, or they want us to agree with them, the exchange, or argument, is a place where the use of critical thinking is beneficial.
After completing the Learning Activities for the week, please respond to all the questions below. Your response should be a minimum of 175 words total (approx. 50 words per question).
Describe two factors we should consider when evaluating an argument (discussed in Ch. 6 of THiNK: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life.) Why are they important?
After reading Ch. 7 and 8 in THiNK: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life, how would you describe, in your own words, the differences between inductive and deductive arguments?
Reflect on the learning activities, concepts, ideas, and topics covered this week. What is the most interesting activity or concept you learned this week? Mention any concepts that are still a bit confusing to you or that you have questions on.

ANSWER

Week four

In critical thinking, an argument is a form of persuasion on a certain point of discussion between two or more parties. In any form of argument that uses critical thinking, no instances of squabbles or finger-pointing can occur (Hitchcock, 2018). This task seeks to evaluate the different dimensions of critical thinking as used in an argument.  

Two Factors to Consider While Evaluating an Argument

While evaluating an argument, the two factors that have to be considered are critical thinking and logical skills. Critical thinking helps a person to determine any truth or validity of an argument. Furthermore, critical thinking equips one with skills that can help them view an argument from another person’s point of view (Carney, Crawford, Siebert, Osguthorpe & Thiede, 2019). Such a move helps settle for a more meaningful conclusion. Logical sills, on the other hand, helps sieve what is reasonable and what is not.

Differences Between Inductive and Deductive Arguments?

An inductive argument is one that the arguer intends to make as strong as possible while a deductive argument is one that uses logical reasoning to reach conclusions. The difference between the two is that while deductive argument starts with a hypothesis and uses observation to see whether it holds (Stephens, Dunn & Hayes, 2018). Inductive reasoning other hand begins with observations before moving towards generalizations/ theories.

Reflection This week has been informative as I have learned concepts that are applicable in our day to day life. The most interesting concept learned this week is how critical thinking is important in any argument. In most cases, people engage in arguments…