UGRC 150: Critical Thinking Lecture 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of critical thinking?

To determine the confidence level of a claim

What is the ultimate goal of critical thinking?

To solve practical problems of existence

What is the role of the critical thinker?

To analyze and evaluate statements and arguments

What is critical thinking concerned with?

How well a claim is supported by reasons Signup and view all the answers

What does the critical thinker do to statements and arguments?

Analyzes and evaluates them Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of critical thinking?

To expose fallacies or errors in reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate aim of the course?

To teach critical thinking and practical reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is critical thinking essential for?

Evaluating claims and judging their validity Signup and view all the answers

What type of sentence is used to seek information?

Interrogative Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an imperative sentence?

Take off your cap. Signup and view all the answers

What type of sentence conveys information that can be either true or false?

Declarative Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of interrogative sentences?

To seek information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of declarative sentences?

Are used to give commands Signup and view all the answers

What type of sentence is 'Could you direct me to the library?'

Imperative Signup and view all the answers

What is common to both imperative and interrogative sentences?

They do not have a truth-value Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a declarative sentence?

The exam has been cancelled. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a person who thinks critically?

Being clear about their beliefs and reasons Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of open-mindedness in critical thinking?

Accommodating other views and evaluating issues on merit Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the course on critical thinking?

To equip students with concepts and skills for effective speaking, sound reasoning, and problem-solving Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a value judgment?

To express a subjective viewpoint about an object Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'sentence-shaped thought'?

Expressing thoughts in language, as we often capture or express thoughts in sentences Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of UNIT 1: Sentence-Shaped Thought?

Developing critical thinking skills through scrutiny of thoughts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a moral value judgment?

Abortion is evil Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a definition?

It can be either true or false Signup and view all the answers

Which skill is NOT mentioned as a key objective of the course?

Mathematical modelling Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an effective communicator in critical thinking?

Presenting a point of view in a clear, structured, and reasoned way Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a non-moral value judgment?

He is a good boxer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a definition in a sentence?

To give meaning to a word or term Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of critical thinking in everyday life?

Recognizing, diagnosing, and solving problems Signup and view all the answers

What is another way of expressing a value judgment?

Using a metaphor Signup and view all the answers

What type of declarative sentence informs by giving meaning to a word or term?

Definition Signup and view all the answers

What type of declarative sentence expresses a subjective viewpoint about an object or person?

Value judgment Signup and view all the answers

What is the definiendum in the definition 'A bachelor is an unmarried adult male'?

A bachelor Signup and view all the answers

What is the definiens in the definition 'A bachelor is an unmarried adult male'?

Unmarried adult male Signup and view all the answers

What is a sentence that can be either true or false?

A statement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a sentence that is not a statement?

Why are you crying? Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between sentences and statements?

All statements are sentences, but not all sentences are statements Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Recall and practice!' section?

To review previously learned material Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between facts and values?

Facts are objective, while values are subjective Signup and view all the answers

What is the author of the lecture notes?

Dr. Nancy Myles B.Gyamfi Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning

Critical thinking is the careful and deliberate determination of whether to accept, reject, or suspend judgment about a claim, based on the degree of confidence with which to accept or reject it.
Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating statements and arguments to distinguish good (correct) from bad (incorrect) reasoning.

Critical Thinking Skills

Open-mindedness
Inquiring mind (question-asking)
Analytic skills
Evaluative skills
Communicative skills

Course Objectives

Effective speaking
Sound reasoning and analysis
Conceptual clarity
Recognizing, diagnosing, and solving problems for the work environment and everyday life

Sentence-Shaped Thoughts

Humans express their thoughts in language, making it possible to scrutinize (study) what others think.
Unit 1 aims to help students understand the need and how to subject their thoughts (and those of others) to scrutiny.

Interrogatives

Interrogatives are sentences that express questions, seeking information.
Examples: "Is she your mother?", "Did Kojo travel?", etc.
Interrogatives do not have a truth-value; they are not truth bearers.

Imperatives

Imperatives are sentences that express commands, requests, directives, or instructions.
Examples: "Take off your cap.", "Raise your hand.", etc.
Imperatives have no truth-value; they are not truth bearers.

Declaratives

Declaratives are sentences that convey information, which can be either true or false (have a truth-value).
Examples: "The exam has been cancelled.", "Ghana has a new Speaker of Parliament.", etc.

Types of Declaratives

Value Judgment:
- Moral value judgments (e.g., "Abortion is evil.")
- Non-moral value judgments (e.g., "He is a good boxer.")
Definitions (e.g., "A bachelor is an unmarried adult male.")
- Definiendum (word being defined)
- Definiens (part of the definition giving the meaning)

Distinguishing Sentences from Statements

A sentence is a collection of words with a complete thought or meaning.
A statement is a type of sentence that can be either true or false.
Not all sentences are statements; some sentences can be questions or commands.

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