Unit 6: When Mathematicians English
Unit 6: When Mathematicians English
The Logic of Argument
The Logic of Argument
In this short but essential unit, students will engage with the foundational tools of logical reasoning, argument structure, and fallacy detection. Whether composing persuasive essays, evaluating complex claims in the media, or navigating daily discussions, strong critical thinking depends on the ability to distinguish sound reasoning from faulty logic. This unit empowers students to "think like logicians," breaking down arguments into their core components and examining them for validity, coherence, and credibility.
Through real-world examples, interactive presentations, and targeted exercises, students will explore how formal logic—including deductive and inductive reasoning—functions across academic, professional, and public discourse. Additionally, they will learn to identify and critique logical fallacies that weaken arguments, from common missteps to sophisticated manipulations of language and evidence. By the end of this unit, students will possess practical tools to evaluate arguments critically and construct their own with clarity and precision.
Define and apply key forms of reasoning, including deductive and inductive structures.
Recognize and deconstruct logical fallacies within real-world and academic arguments.
Construct clear, logically sound arguments using valid premises and structured reasoning.
Evaluate the credibility, consistency, and reasoning patterns within diverse texts and media.
Reflect critically on one’s own reasoning to identify cognitive biases and avoid common errors in thought.
Logical Fallacy Scavenger Hunt: Students identify and present real-world examples of logical fallacies from news articles, social media, advertisements, or public discourse.
Argument Mapping Presentation: Students construct a logical map of a chosen public argument, outlining premises, conclusions, reasoning patterns, and potential weaknesses.
Logical Analysis of Public Text: Written assignment evaluating the structure and reasoning within a significant public speech, essay, or media argument.
"Love is a Fallacy" by Max Shulman (Link)
Making Good Arguments: An Overview (101-113)
Making Claims (114-123)
Assembling Reasons and Evidence (124-136)
Warrants (137-153)
Acknowledgments and Responses (154-170)
An Overview of Rhetoric (1-31)
Divisive Positions Poll (Link)
Discourse Kitchen: A Debate Menu (Link)
List of Key Logical Fallacies; Ones I Focus On (Link)
Fallacy This! A Task (Link)
A Cognitive Audit (Link) (Fancy Version)
You Are Not So Smart (Link)
Skeptoid (Link)
How to Argue - Philosophical Reasoning: Crash Course Philosophy #2 (Link)
Wireless Philosophy: Introduction to Logic (Link)
Kialo Debate Mapping Platform (Link)
Your Logical Fallacy Is... (link)
"The Inclusion Problem in Critical Thinking: Case of Indian Philosophy" — Anand Jayprakash Vaidya (Link)
"Cognitive Bias Cheat Sheet" — Buster Benson (Medium/Better Humans) (Link)
"How to recognize and tame your cognitive distortions" by Peter Grinspoon (Link)