Overview
The ideas of reason, truth and argument. What are the limits of argument? Common fallacies of reasoning. Traditional logic and its limitations. Modern logic. Non-deductive reasoning.
With the advent of the internet, AI and digital technology, we now have more information readily available to us than at any other point in history. But much of it is misinformation or disinformation. This paper teaches students how to critically assess different sources of information and evaluate good and bad arguments using such information. It also teaches students how to make rational decisions based on the information available to them.
About this paper
| Paper title | Critical Thinking |
|---|---|
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Commerce, Science
- Eligibility
- This paper is open to all students.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Philosophy Programme's website.
- Teaching staff
Professor Stuart Brock, with other teaching staff to be confirmed.
- Paper Structure
This is a skill-based paper. The point is not to learn any particular facts or content, but rather skills for dealing with any facts or content you might come across in life. In the first half of the paper, we learn about how to evaluate arguments and evidence and how to identify fallacious reasoning. In the second half, we learn to use some basic decision theory and other logical methods.
- Teaching Arrangements
Two 1-hour lectures per week and one tutorial.
- Textbooks
Readings are available on eReserve and Brightspace/D2L (the new learning management system).
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who pass this course should be able to:
- evaluate arguments and weigh up the evidence in support of a conclusion; and
- make rational decisions based on the hypotheses they come to believe after consideration of such arguments.
- Assessment details
Assessments by in-class tests, assignment, and final exam.