Tag: logical consequence

Critical Thinking: Evaluating Logical Strength of Deductive and Inductive Arguments through Relevance and Sufficiency

IntroductionIn the previous post we talked about logical force or logical consequence (they are interchangeable).  These terms refer to the degree to which we must accept the conclusion if we’ve assumed the premises to be true.  When an argument has maximum logical force we say it is valid.  Generally, there are two types of logical force: deductive […]

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Critical Thinking: Burden of Proof, Strong Arguments, and How to Criticize.

IntroductionUp until now we’ve spent quite a bit of time looking at the role of biases in argument.  Understanding how they influence arguers and our perception of arguments is important; however we’re now going to move beyond the psychological aspects of analysis (tell me about your mother…) and start to hone our technical skills.The first […]

Read More Critical Thinking: Burden of Proof, Strong Arguments, and How to Criticize.