Logic Course Overview
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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?

    <p>Feedback from students</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Offering financial and time support</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Wife and source of inspiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept did Patrick Suppes contribute significantly to?

    <p>Preference and utility</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Causal relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Their judgments and learning</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>A profound privilege</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To reason and understand the world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following assertions about IQ is made?

    <p>IQ differences are largely irrelevant in reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What analogy is used to compare differences in brain capacity?

    <p>Horsepower in boats</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Eating a balanced diet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of reasoning is emphasized in the passage?

    <p>Providing persuasive arguments for beliefs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'truth tracking' refer to?

    <p>The search for correctness in understanding</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It can be achieved by anyone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Investing time in hard thinking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the text characterize logical missteps?

    <p>Weak arguments that degrade reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Quantification</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Reading extended arguments</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Argument tree diagramming</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>All arguments are subjective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They mistrust their own reasoning abilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue did the author encounter with students naming fallacies?

    <p>They could only name fallacies in short statements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>That is just your opinion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It evolved into a secondary concern.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Because it was less rigorous.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Students are systematically encouraged to reject reasoning.</p> 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.

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