REASONING AND

CRITICAL THINKING
 What we will do

 Define Reasoning

 Look at a structure for critical thinking

 What is Reasoning?
A cognitive Process by which we use our knowledge and
intelligence to effectively arrive at the most reasonable
and justifiable point of view on issues

It is personal deliberation about a point of view to determine

reasons for arriving at a conclusion

It is presenting an argument to persuade others of our point

of view.
 The language of reasoning

The “therefore” test

(so, because, since)

 What is Reasoning Process?

 The structure of reasoning

 Deliberates a statement, opinion or belief

 Looks for possible explanations or evidence

 Considers reasons (R)

(therefore)
 Declares a conclusion (C)
 Strength of Reasoning

 Credibility of Reasons
 “Factual claims” based on ‘hard’ evidence or data
 Value judgments - opinions based on experiences values or
beliefs
 Principles – (i.e. sound principles which are generalized to the
specific situation
 ‘Others’ opinion or recommendations
 Best guess
 Strength of Reasoning
 Credibility of Conclusion:
 Strength of the connection between the evidence and the
conclusion - do the reasons support the conclusion
 Standards of Conclusions:
 Absolute Certainty - the conclusion is true, based on evidence
 Beyond ‘reasonable doubt’
 More likely than not – i.e. probable
 Reasonable
 Possible

 Justification of conclusion
 Reasoning Gone Wrong
 Primary self-centered views
 Emotional responses
 Denial
 Peer influence or majority opinion - group think
 Rationalization
 Fixed opinions or conclusions
 I know what I think – don’t confuse me with facts
 I know what I believe – don’t confuse me with questions
 Critical thinking is a quality of thinking which is
characterized by (self regulated) deliberation on an
issue ; involving the generation of alternatives and
making evaluative judgments based on criteria
(Reasons) which provide justification (evidence,
support, proof) for the conclusion (C).
 Identify the Issue or Statement

 Clarify meanings of words

 Determine Assumptions

 Seek and analyze information

 Consider Alternative

 Look at Strength of Sources

 Establish Reasons

 Make Judgments

 Come to a Conclusion
 Ideas or Concepts that are taken for granted
 Factual assumptions
 What is KNOWN
 Value assumptions
 What is BELIEVED

 Assumptions are usually ‘hidden’ – not aware

 Alternative

“every plan has an alternative, and

every alternative has a back up”
Robert Ludlum
 Is the Source authentic and reliable
 Reasons
 Does the Reason explain “why” – what is it based
on
 “reasons of fact” - based on ‘hard’ evidence or data
 “reasons of value” - based on experiences, values or beliefs
 “reasons of principle” – based on sound principles which are
generalized to the specific situation
 reasons based on ‘others’ opinion or recommendations
 reasons of best guess

 Does the Reason support the Conclusion

 Judgments / Conclusions
 Based on fact, evidence and data
 Based on principles
 Based on experience, belief or values
 Based on opinions of others
 Standards of Judgments /Conclusions
 Deductively valid (absolute certainty)
 Beyond reasonable doubt
 More likely than not (probable)
 Reasonable
 Possible
 Fixed Conclusions
 Faulty Assumptions
 Errors of fact
 Misplaced values and beliefs

 Biases
 Errors of Process
 Not consider alternatives i.e. Jump to conclusion
 Not consider evidence

 Fixed opinions or conclusions

 I know what I think – don’t confuse me with facts
 I know what I believe– don’t confuse me with questions
 Assignment
 In 400 words, Write a critical analysis of one of the
statements using the framework for Critical Thinking.
 Present a Justification for your Conclusion based on
Evidence or Reasons

 Submit to moodle before Wednesday 15.00


 God is an intelligent being who created the universe. He
dwells in heaven.
 Obesity is a familial disorder which causes early death.
Daily exercise can prevent death.
 The enforced use of “bus lanes” will improve traffic in
Jakarta.
 Overpopulation causes poverty hunger and poor health.