Define: reasoning
-drawing conclusions or references from observation, facts, or assumptions
What are formal reasoning problems?
-problems in which the information needed to draw conclusions or reach a solution is clearly specified, and there IS a single correct (best) answer
Define: algorithim
-a problem-solving strategy guaranteed to produce a solution even if the user does not know how it works
What are 2 tools of formal logic?
- deductive reasoning
- inductive reasoning
Define: deductive reasoning
- a conclusion that follows from the truthfulness of the given premises
- if the premises are true, the conclusion is true
Define: inductive reasoning
-a conclusion probably follows from the given premise, but could conceivably be false
Science depends heavily on what type of reasoning? Why?
- inductive
- conclusions must be drawn from observations that are POSSIBLY true. There must ALWAYS be a possibility for faulty conclusions
What are informal reasoning problems?
- problems where there is no clear, correct solution
- one must decide for themselves what the most reasonable approach, or solution is
Define: heuristic
-a rule of thumb that suggests a course of action or guides problem solving, but does NOT guarantee an optimal solution
Define: dialetical reasoning
-weighing and comparing opposing facts and ideas, with a purpose for determining the best solution, or solving differences
King and Ketchener have identified 7 cognitive stages on the road to reflective judgment (critical thinking). What are they?
-2 prereflective stages
-3 quasireflective stages
last 2 stages reflective judgment
How do prereflective thinkers judge?
- they DO NOT distinguise between knowledge or belief, or belief and evidence
- they see no reason to justify a belief
How do quasi-reflective thinkers judge?
- they believe any judgment about evidence is SUBJECTIVE
- they defend by stating, “everyone is entitled to their own opinion”
How do reflective thinkers judge?
- will consider evidence from a variety of sources
- will reason dialetically
