Logic
It seems that most people have significant gaps in their logic. Avoid arguing with people who do not recognize superior logic. This book is not a logic primer. I highly recommend that all readers study formal, informal, and all other types of logic, as well as critical thinking. Consider starting with logic and following as many of the referenced topics as possible. Read books and take courses about logic, debate, and critical thinking, including media literacy and social media awareness.
Focus on the various types of logical fallacies currently most prevalent, including those described herein.
Arguments
Premises, arguments, and conclusions
First Principles
As opposed to conclusions drawn by applying the rules of logic to other premises, first principles refer to suppositions and facts that we all humans share without argument, which we cannot deduce or infer from other propositions or assumptions.
Deductive Reasoning
An argument is deductively valid if its conclusion must be true given that its premises are also true.
Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning refers to generalizations and principles determined based on observations, in which conclusions are probable but not certain.
Straw Man
A straw man argument may be valid but attempts to counter a point other than made in the original argument without acknowledging the distinction.
Ad Hominem
Ad hominem refers to a diversionary tactic of attacking characteristics of the opponent rather than the substance of the substance of their argument (shooting the messenger).
Logical Fallacies
There are numerous additional types of logical falacies.
Bad Faith Argument
A bad faith argument occurs when a speaker projects one set of feelings or beliefs while speaking or acting under in a contradictory manner.
Whataboutism
Whataboutism avoids responding to an argument by changing the subject to a related topic that may bear some similarity to a valid original point.
Occam's Razor
Occam's Razor suggests evaluating the simplest explanations constructed from the least number of premises and arguments rather than assuming more complex causes.
Moving the Goalposts
Moving the goalposts refers to changing the objective of an unresolved argument to give one party a relative advantage.
Dunning-Kruger Effect
The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when people with limited competence in a particular domain overestimate their abilities or when competent individuals underestimate their knowledge and skills.
Cognitive Bias
Cognitive bias refers to a systematic pattern of irrationality in judgment. Interpretations of individual and limited perspectives result in unique subjective realities, often leading to perceptual distortions, inaccurate judgments, illogical interpretations, and irrationality.
Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias occurs when a person favors information that appears to confirm rather than question their existing belief or interprets ambiguous data as supportive of their current perspective.
Groupthink
Groupthink refers to a collection of individuals reaching invalid and illogical conclusions by attempting to avoid conflict and reach consensus in order to maintain cohesion.
Shifting the Buren of Proof
Beware of people that attempt to shift the burden of proof. For example, someone might state a conspiracy theory without any evidence, and then expect others to counter it by proving them wrong.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burden_of_proof_(philosophy)
Appeal to Authority or Argument from Authority
Referencing an authority figure does not prove a point.
See also:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logic
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debate
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_literacy
//TODO: links on social media and tech awareness
Logic and Critical Thinking Cheat Sheet for Children
Because the schools will not teach it, I am starting to teach logic (PHIL 101), critical thinking, and philosophy to my boys ages 8 and 10. We are developing a cheat sheet that someone else might find useful. Please comment constructively to add value.
These are not strict definitions and in no particular order, but general explanations in the context of logical analysis.
Analysis
Evaluation of a subject to achieve greater understanding and determine truth.
Logic
Rules to determine the validity of thought and truth of conclusions; a system of thought used to build valid minds.
Critical Thinking
Individual judgement based on analysis of facts.
Rationalization
Thought processes used to justify behavior without logic.
Motive/Motivation
Causes for a person to act; the most fundamental consideration to evaluate.
Moral/Morality
Relating to principles of right and wrong.
Mortal/Mortality
Related to death.
Religions
Systems of thought supporting various moralities.
Ethics
Theory or system of moral principles and values.
Philosophy
Theories and system of thought based on religion or individual experience, research, and thought.
Appraisal
Individual judgement of a topic.
Insanity
Anything that opposes logic.
Argument
Premise(s) and a conclusion.
Valid Argument
No possible situation in which the premises are all true and the conclusion is false.
Sound Argument
True, unambiguous premises and valid logic.
Fate
Externally controlled and inevitable destiny.
Free Will
The ability to choose a destiny. (“I will choose free will”, Rush)
Reason/Reasoning
Thought processes used to generate inferences and justify or refute conclusions.
Meta/Metathought
About (change, after, beyond, between). Think about the thinker and their thoughts and thought processes.
Psychology
The science of study of human thought processes, motives, defense mechanisms, behavior, and pathologies.
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Philosophical_Logic/Arguments