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Claims are constantly being made, many of which are confusing, ambiguous, too general to be of value, exaggerated, unfalsifiable, and suggest a dichotomy when no such dichotomy exists. Good critical thinking requires a thorough understanding of the claim before attempting to determine its veracity. Good communication requires the ability to make clear, precise, explicit claims, or “strong” claims. The rules of reason in this book provide the framework for obtaining this understanding and ability.
This book / online course is about the the eleven rules of reason for making and evaluating claims. Each covered in detail in the book.
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I always go by the somewhat new agey apothegm: "whatever somebody else thinks about me is none of my business".
Likewise, with any argumentative riposte, ad hominem insult, or misological slur these days (the days of illogic, anti-science, religious and political fanaticism, and internet thuggery) I adhere to the concept: theconversation.com/no-yo. . . via @ConversationEDU " target=_blank>NO, You are not entitled to your opinion. You are only entitled to what you can argue for.” theconversation.com/no-yo. . . via @ConversationEDU <> I also strongly believe it is a mistake to buy into the notion that you're going to successfully convince or persuade anyone however carefully you articulate your argument. In fact, studies confirm that informal argument with fanatics only succeeds in making them more, well, fanatical. Remember the meme about arguing with creationists is like playing chess with a pigeon? (They just knock all the pieces down and crap all over the chess board). The best you can do is plant a grape seed in their cognitive processes and let it go without any further attachment. Sometimes it takes a while for a truth or factoid to settle in. If they're not ready for it, there's nothing you can do but make the best argument you can for your own edification and skill set. No one else's. |
answered on Saturday, Jan 18, 2020 11:48:22 AM by mchasewalker |
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