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Podcast Profile: Critical Reasoning for Beginners

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13 episodes
2010 to 2012
Median: 68 minutes
Collection: Philosophy


Description (podcaster-provided):

Are you confident you can reason clearly? Are you able to convince others of your point of view? Are you able to give plausible reasons for believing what you believe? Do you sometimes read arguments in the newspapers, hear them on the television, or in the pub and wish you knew how to confidently evaluate them?
In this six-part course, you will learn all about arguments, how to identify them, how to evaluate them, and how not to mistake bad arguments for good. Such skills are invaluable if you are concerned about the truth of your beliefs, and the cogency of your arguments.


Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):

➤ Recognizing arguments • Types of arguments • Deductive and inductive reasoning • Analyzing arguments • Validity and truth • Fallacies • Further reading

"Critical Reasoning for Beginners" is a podcast that provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of critical reasoning. Through a structured six-part series, the podcast delves into key aspects of formulating, analyzing, and evaluating arguments. The journey begins with an examination of what constitutes an argument, providing listeners with the tools necessary to recognize and understand the basic components and structure of arguments.

Subsequently, the podcast sheds light on the different types of arguments, specifically distinguishing between deductive and inductive reasoning. By understanding these categories, listeners can better appreciate how arguments are constructed and the logical underpinnings of various claims.

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to setting out arguments in "logic book-style," a methodical approach that enhances clarity and simplifies the evaluation process. This technique is vital for those looking to critically assess the strength and validity of arguments presented in everyday discourse.

The podcast further addresses the criteria for what makes an argument "good," concentrating on concepts of validity and truth. This segment focuses on the evaluation of inductive arguments, teaching listeners how to discern the quality and strength of arguments based on logical coherence and evidential support.

Continuing with the theme of evaluation, the series moves on to the examination of deductive arguments, emphasizing the notion of validity. This segment aims to refine the listener's ability to critically assess logical consistency and to identify arguments that follow logically from their premises.

The culmination of the series focuses on identifying and understanding fallacies—erroneous arguments that can be misleading. By learning to spot common fallacies, listeners can avoid being swayed by seemingly plausible yet fundamentally flawed reasoning.

To supplement the main content, the podcast includes additional resources for further reading, guiding listeners towards more in-depth exploration of critical reasoning principles. This comprehensive approach ensures that listeners are well-equipped to evaluate the arguments they encounter in various facets of life.

Overall, "Critical Reasoning for Beginners" serves as a thorough introduction to the essential skills required for clear, logical, and effective reasoning.


Episodes:
The Nature of Arguments
2010-Jan-29
79 minutes
The Nature of Arguments (Slides)
2010-Jan-29

Different Types of Arguments
2010-Jan-29
70 minutes
Different Types of Arguments (Slides)
2010-Jan-29

Setting out Arguments Logic Book Style
2010-Mar-10
80 minutes
Setting out Arguments Logic Book Style (Slides)
2010-Mar-10

What is a Good Argument? Validity and Truth
2010-Mar-11
52 minutes
What is a Good Argument? Validity and Truth (Slides)
2010-Mar-11

Evaluating Arguments Part One
2010-Mar-15
66 minutes
Evaluating Arguments Part One (Slides)
2010-Mar-15

Evaluating Arguments Part Two
2010-Mar-18
57 minutes
Evaluating Arguments Part Two (Slides)
2010-Mar-18

Further reading and more... (Slides)
2012-Apr-16