Critical Thinking A' Level (Full AS + A2) Fast Track Course

Course Structure

Unit 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking

Part A – the language of reasoning

3.1.1 What is an argument?

• What is an argument?
• Some basic rules of arguments
• Using common notation as shorthand

3.1.2 The elements of an argument

• What are argument indicators?
• Counter arguments
• The use of counter claims
• Providing evidence
• Providing examples
• Hypothetical reasoning
• Assumptions

3.1.3 How strong is the evidence in a reason?

• Evaluating evidence
• How big was the sample?
• Was the sample representative?
• How and when was the evidence collected?
• How is the evidence presented?
• Alternative interpretations of statistics
• How well does a reason support the conclusion?

Part B – Credibility

3.1.4 What is credibility? 3.1.5 Credibility criteriaIs the evidence plausible?

• Is the source an eye witness?
• Is there corroboration?
• To what extent are different sources consistent with each other?
• Is there any suggestion of bias?
• Does the source have a vested interest?
• Is the source neutral?
• Can the source be seen as expert?
• Does the source have a positive reputation?

3.1.6 A guide to the unit one exam

• How the exam works
• What do I need to be able to do?
• How to give a good answer
• Practice makes perfect!

Unit 2: Assessing and Developing Argument

Part A – Further points on components

3.2.1 Some things that are not an argument

• Explanation
• Description
• Opinion

3.2.2 Intermediate conclusions 3.2.3 Analogies 3.2.4 Principles 3.2.5 Drawing conclusions

Part B – spotting problems with an argument - types of flaw

3.2.6 Inconsistency and contradiction 3.2.7 Types of flawWrong actions

• Unwarranted assumption of a causal relationship
• Generalisation
• Restricting the options
• Slippery slope
• Circular argument
• Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions
• Conflation
• Straw person
• Ad hominem flaws
• Arguing from one thing to another

3.2.8 Irrelevant appeals

Part C – Developing your own reasoned argument Part D – Guide to the unit 2 exam

Unit 3: Ethical Reasoning and Decision Making

3.3.1 Ethical reasoningConflicting ideas

• Social, political, religious and moral factors
• More on hypothetical reasoning
• Different responses, different criteria

3.3.2 Dilemmas, applying principles and decision making

• The nature of a dilemma
• Constructing arguments

Unit 4: Critical Reasoning

3.4.1 Analysis and evaluation of complex arguments

• Assumptions
• Valid and invalid arguments
• Syllogisms
• Sustained suppositional reasoning
• Sustained counter-argument
• Relationship between components
• Independent or joint?
• Smaller arguments, counter arguments and explanations
• Not part of an argument?
• Evaluating strength and weakness

3.4.2 Developing your own cogent and complex arguments

The UK Learning College is a leading Distance Learning Provider, offering a route to study for anyone who wants to gain a new skill or qualification, but finds the traditional, classroom-based mode of study unsuitable. Distance learning is an ideal way to learn around your current time and financial commitments, no matter how diverse and unpredictable your schedule is. With UK Learning College you not only study when it suits you and in your own time, but you can be sure of receiving all the advice and support you require as your studies develop. Because of our continuous system of enrolments, Students can enrol any time of year, and our flexible distance learning courses allow students to plan their studies to fit in their life style or work commitments. All of our students have access to their own personal distance learning course tutor who specialises in their field of education and is totally committed to helping you succeed in your home learning course.