Logic Course Overview

Questions and Answers

What aspect of logic did the author express a particular admiration for?

Its beauty and elegance (correct)

Its mathematical foundation

Its historical development

Its applicability in daily life

Who is acknowledged for significantly influencing the author’s thoughts on social issues?

Jennifer K. Ruark

Victor P. Meskill

Byron M. Roth (correct)

Patrick Suppes

Which publication is mentioned as a source for borrowing ideas?

Philosophy of Science Review

Logic and Practice

Causation and Probability Studies

Decision Making: Its Logic and Practice (correct)

What is emphasized as a major influence on the author's approach to teaching logic?

Feedback from students Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Long Range Planning Committee play in the author's work?

Offering financial and time support Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of Constance Hassan Mullen to the author?

Wife and source of inspiration Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did Patrick Suppes contribute significantly to?

Preference and utility Signup and view all the answers

What principle did the author indicate was essential for incorporating philosophy into practice?

Causal relations Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the students at Dowling College does the author acknowledge?

Their judgments and learning Signup and view all the answers

What was the author's overall sentiment towards the teaching experience at Dowling College?

A profound privilege Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the human brain as described?

To reason and understand the world Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following assertions about IQ is made?

IQ differences are largely irrelevant in reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to compare differences in brain capacity?

Horsepower in boats Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about pride in one's brain?

It reflects natural abilities that one should not take credit for. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT mentioned as a way to take care of your brain?

Eating a balanced diet Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of reasoning is emphasized in the passage?

Providing persuasive arguments for beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'truth tracking' refer to?

The search for correctness in understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about good reasoning is TRUE according to the content?

It can be achieved by anyone. Signup and view all the answers

What element is suggested to be crucial for mental well-being?

Investing time in hard thinking Signup and view all the answers

How does the text characterize logical missteps?

Weak arguments that degrade reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the early courses taught in logic according to the author's experience?

Quantification Signup and view all the answers

What did the author identify as a significant challenge for students when dealing with arguments?

Reading extended arguments Signup and view all the answers

What teaching technique did the author introduce to improve students' comprehension of arguments?

Argument tree diagramming Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a belief that the author suggests undermines logical reasoning?

All arguments are subjective. Signup and view all the answers

What realization did the author come to regarding young students' training in logical argument?

They mistrust their own reasoning abilities. Signup and view all the answers

What issue did the author encounter with students naming fallacies?

They could only name fallacies in short statements. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase does the author identify as an 'argument stopper'?

That is just your opinion. Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, how did the treatment of informal fallacies change over time?

It evolved into a secondary concern. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the author chagrined by the shift from sentential logic?

Because it was less rigorous. Signup and view all the answers

What primary concern did the author's experiences with middle school teachers reveal?

Students are systematically encouraged to reject reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

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.