Questions and Answers
What aspect of logic did the author express a particular admiration for?
Who is acknowledged for significantly influencing the author’s thoughts on social issues?
Which publication is mentioned as a source for borrowing ideas?
What is emphasized as a major influence on the author's approach to teaching logic?
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What role did the Long Range Planning Committee play in the author's work?
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What is the relationship of Constance Hassan Mullen to the author?
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Which concept did Patrick Suppes contribute significantly to?
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What principle did the author indicate was essential for incorporating philosophy into practice?
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What aspect of the students at Dowling College does the author acknowledge?
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What was the author's overall sentiment towards the teaching experience at Dowling College?
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What is the primary function of the human brain as described?
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Which of the following assertions about IQ is made?
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What analogy is used to compare differences in brain capacity?
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What does the text suggest about pride in one's brain?
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What is NOT mentioned as a way to take care of your brain?
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Which aspect of reasoning is emphasized in the passage?
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What does the term 'truth tracking' refer to?
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Which statement about good reasoning is TRUE according to the content?
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What element is suggested to be crucial for mental well-being?
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How does the text characterize logical missteps?
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What was the main focus of the early courses taught in logic according to the author's experience?
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What did the author identify as a significant challenge for students when dealing with arguments?
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What teaching technique did the author introduce to improve students' comprehension of arguments?
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Which of the following statements reflects a belief that the author suggests undermines logical reasoning?
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What realization did the author come to regarding young students' training in logical argument?
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What issue did the author encounter with students naming fallacies?
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What phrase does the author identify as an 'argument stopper'?
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According to the author, how did the treatment of informal fallacies change over time?
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Why was the author chagrined by the shift from sentential logic?
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What primary concern did the author's experiences with middle school teachers reveal?
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Study Notes
Teaching Logic and Critical Thinking
- Over twenty years of teaching experience shaped the development of a logic course.
- Initial curriculum focused on formal logic and quantification, with syllogism as a minor topic.
- Shift towards informal fallacies due to student struggles in recognizing fallacies within extended arguments.
- Introduction of argument tree diagramming to enhance reading comprehension and uncover structures in reasoning.
- Observations reveal young students often lack basic logical skills and are conditioned to distrust their reasoning abilities.
Challenges in Student Reasoning
- Students exhibit reliance on subjective phrases that hinder logical discussion, such as, "Who's to say?" and "I have a right to my opinion."
- These "argument stoppers" create barriers that obstruct rational dialogue and critical thinking.
The Nature of Human Reasoning
- The human brain is a powerful organ adept at reasoning and seeking truth.
- Effective reasoning involves forming beliefs based on logical and persuasive justification.
- Natural ability to identify weak arguments and logical fallacies is a human trait, independent of IQ or traditional measures of intelligence.
- The analogy of boats with slightly different horsepower illustrates that all brains possess significant potential, regardless of small variances in capability.
Personal Influences and Contributions
- The study of causal relations and the philosophy of science has enriched the teaching of logic.
- Influential works by Patrick Suppes highlighted the practical application of formal logic in empirical contexts.
- Colleague Byron M. Roth contributed significantly to thinking on social issues and decision-making logic.
- Acknowledgment of support from Dowling College and its administration for the educational endeavor.
- Gratitude towards students for their impactful feedback on teaching methods and curriculum content.
Personal Reflections
- The author's spouse, Constance Hassan Mullen, recognized as a vital source of inspiration and support throughout the writing and teaching journey.
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Description
Explore the evolution of a logic course developed over twenty years. This quiz reviews the transition from formal logic to a focus on informal fallacies, illustrating key concepts and teaching methods employed throughout the years. Dive into the history and significance of logic education.