Second Thoughts

Overview

This flexible and accessible text for the introductory critical thinking course uses current, relevant examples from a range of sources--including technology, advertising, film, TV, and the Internet--to address social issues, the law, politics, science, and more. Inviting and inclusive, the text features a wealth of examples and exercises that draw on the varied experiences of students from different ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Second Thoughts: Critical Thinking for a Diverse Society provides a refreshing and comprehensive study of critical thinking and logic tools for today's students.

Table of contents

Part One: Acquiring Critical Thinking Skills
Chapter 1: Out of the Fog: The Pathway to Critical Thinking
Introduction to the Territory
Frame of Reference
Overview of Critical Thinking
Comparison of Logic and Critical Thinking
Descriptions versus Inferences
Descriptions Versus Arguments
Diverse Perspectives in Critical Thinking
Obstacles to Clear Thinking
Problem Solving

Chapter 2: Nuts and Bolts: The Basics of Argument
Argument Components
Propositions
Premise-Indicators and Conclusion-Indicators
Constructing Arguments
Good Arguments, Bad Arguments
Facts, Opinions, and Ideas
Speculation
Ideas and Hypotheses

Chapter 3: Analysis: The Heart of Critical Thinking
Assessing Credibility
Role of Assumptions
Well Reasoned Arguments
Developing Analytical Skills
Types of Evidence
Analysis of an Article or Argument
Wrestling Down Arguments: Dismantling Longer Articles

Chapter 4: Handling Claims, Drawing Inferences
Propositions
Rules of Replacement for Ordinary Language
Formal Rules of Replacement
Square of Opposition
The Obverse, Converse, and Contrapositive

Chapter 5: The Logic Machine: Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
Key Terms in Arguments
The Key to Distinguishing Propositions
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Truth Tables

Part Two: Sharpening the Tools

Chapter 6: The Persuasive Power of Analogies
Arguments from Analogy
The Fallacy of False Analogy
The Persuasive Force of an Analogy
Assessing an Analogy
Structuring the Analysis
Analogies and Hypothetical Reasoning in the Law

Chapter 7: Fallacies, Fallacies: Steering Clear of Argumentative Quicksand
Introduction to the Fallacies of Relevance
Key Fallacies of Relevance
Key Fallacies of Presumption
Key Fallacies of Ambiguity

Chapter 8: Roll the Dice: Causal and Statistical Reasoning
Cause and Effect Reasoning
Arguments Based on Statistical Studies
Inductive Generalizations

Chapter 9: Syllogisms
Introduction to Syllogisms
Validity and Soundness
Universal versus Particular Propositions
Categorical Syllogisms
The Three Terms of the Syllogism
The Mood of a Syllogism
Figure of the Syllogism
Checking for Validity
Testing the Validity of a Syllogism: Two Methods
CHapter 10: Patterns of Deductive Reasoning: Rules of Inference
Advantages of Learning the Techniques of Logic
Valid Argument Forms
Rules of Inference
Formal Fallacies

PART THREE: Going Out Into the World
Chapter 11: Out of the Silence: The Power of Language
Descriptions
Euphemisms
Concepts and Definitions
Jargon, Buzzwords, and Technical Terms
Metaphors and Images
The Passive Voice
Propaganda
Exclusive Language and Hate Speech
The Liberatory Voice


Chapter 12: Desire and Illusion: Analyzing Advertising
Reading the Society from Ads
Assumptions
The Use of Fallacies to Persuade
The Power of Advertising
Product Placement
Testimonials
Analyzing Ads
The Verbal Message
The Visual Message
Winners and Loser in Advertising

Chapter 13: Web Sight: Critical Thinking and the Internet
Imagine the Internet
Web Hoaxes
Web Research
Web Analysis
Blogs and More Blogs
Wikis
The Internet and Intellectual Freedom

Chapter 14: Voices and Visions: The Media
Tabloid-Style Journalism
Analyzing the Newspaper
The Distinct Role of Sports in News Media
Analyzing Popular Culture
Assessing Arguments
Analyzing Reviews


Chapter 15: Clearing the Path: Legal Reasoning
The Range of Legal Reasoning
Legal Precedent
The Power of Assumptions
Controversial Cases and the Law

Biographical note

Wanda Teays is currently a professor and chair of the Philosophy Department at Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. She has a B.A. in Mathematics and Philosophy from CSU Fullerton, an M.A. in Philosophy of Mathematics from the University of Alberta, a Ph.D. in Humanities from Concordia University in Montreal, and an M.T.S. (Applied Ethics) from Harvard University. She teaches, writes, speaks, and edits books in the areas of critical thinking, bioethics, violence, human rights and the law. Having studied and taught in Canada over a span of twelve years, she knows the value of diverse perspectives. She draws on her work as a consultant in critical thinking to colleges, universities, and school districts (K-12) to promote quality education for all students. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, pet cockatoo, and a small herd of cats.