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Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments

Approx. 25 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course is designed to help learners understand how to construct, analyze, and evaluate arguments in everyday life. The course covers basic concepts, including what an argument is and what constitutes a good argument. It also covers common pitfalls, such as logical fallacies and cognitive biases.

Key Learning Points

Gain a better understanding of arguments and how they are constructed
Learn how to identify common pitfalls in arguments
Develop critical thinking skills that can be applied to everyday life

Learning Outcomes

Ability to construct and evaluate arguments in everyday life
Improved critical thinking skills
Understanding of common pitfalls in arguments

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of English language
Access to a computer with internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Introduction to Logic
Critical Reasoning for Beginners

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Daniel Kahneman
Nassim Taleb

Related Books

Description

In this course, you will learn what an argument is. The definition of argument will enable you to identify when speakers are giving arguments and when they are not. Next, you will learn how to break an argument into its essential parts, how to put them in order to reveal their connections, and how to fill in gaps in an argument by adding suppressed premises. By the end of this course, you will be better able to understand and appreciate arguments that you and other people present.

Suggested Readings: Students who want more detailed explanations or additional exercises or who want to explore these topics in more depth should consult Understanding Arguments: An Introduction to Informal Logic, Ninth Edition, Concise, Chapters 1-5, by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong and Robert Fogelin. Course Format: Each week will be divided into multiple video segments that can be viewed separately or in groups. There will be short ungraded quizzes after each segment (to check comprehension) and a longer graded quiz at the end of the course.

Outline

Welcome to the Specialization
Introduction to the Specialization
Course Logistics (Start Here)

How to Spot an Argument
Why Arguments Matter
What Is an Argument?
What are Arguments Used For? Justification
Strong Arguments Don't Always Persuade Everyone
What Else are Arguments Used For? Explanation
What are Arguments Made Of? Language
Meaning
Linguistic Acts
Speech Acts
Conversational Acts
Why Arguments Matter
What Is an Argument?
What are Arguments Used For? Justification
Strong Arguments Don't Always Persuade Everyone
What Else are Arguments Used For? Explanation
What are Arguments Made Of? Language
Meaning
Linguistic Acts
Speech Acts
Conversational Acts

How to Untangle an Argument
Argument Markers
Standard Form
A Problem for Arguments
Assuring
Guarding
Discounting
Evaluation
Close Analysis (Part I)
Close Analysis (Part II)
More Close Analysis
Argument Markers
Standard Form
A Problem for Arguments
Assuring
Guarding
Discounting
Evaluation
Close Analysis (Part II)
More Close Analysis

How to Reconstruct an Argument
Validity
Soundness
Get Down to Basics
Sharpen Edges
Organize Parts
A Student Example: A Debate About Smartphones in Class
Fill in Gaps
Conclude
An Example of Reconstruction (Part I)
An Example of Reconstruction (Part II)
An Example of Reconstruction (Part III)
Validity
Soundness (Part I)
Soundness (Part II)
Get Down to Basics
Sharpen Edges
Organize Parts
Fill in Gaps
Conclude
An Example of Reconstruction

Catch-Up and Final Quiz
Final Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

This course is highly recommended for anyone who wants to improve their argumentation skills. Many users found the course content to be engaging and informative.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides practical tools and techniques for identifying and analyzing arguments.

Pros from User Reviews

The course offers a comprehensive overview of argumentation theory and practice.
The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.
The course is well-structured and easy to follow.
The assignments and quizzes are challenging but rewarding.
The course is applicable to a wide range of fields and disciplines.

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course material to be too basic or simplistic.
The discussion forums can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
The course requires a significant time commitment.
The course may not be suitable for advanced learners or experts in argumentation.
The course does not offer personalized feedback or support.

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