Description

The word ‘argument’ can mean a spat between people, or a lawyer’s statement in court. In the field of critical thinking, an argument – like an assumption – is an expected part of the process of reaching a logical, well-thought-out conclusion and outcome. You and others regularly make arguments – because you want to make a point, or move an issue forward. An argument typically has a rationale and a conclusive statement, both deserving of exploration and questioning. When you say or hear words such as ‘this is because’ or ‘so, therefore’ – you’re usually making or facing an argument. In this course, you’ll learn to identify arguments, recognize persuasion techniques, explore arguments for accuracy and logic, and marshal arguments of your own.