Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/understanding-arguments
In today’s world, saturated with information and opinions, the ability to critically analyze arguments is more crucial than ever. The Coursera course, ‘Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments,’ offers a robust foundation for developing this essential skill. This course, the first in a four-part specialization on logic and critical thinking, lives up to its promise of teaching you not just what an argument is, but how to dissect, understand, and appreciate them.
The course begins by clearly defining what constitutes an argument, differentiating it from mere statements or emotional appeals. This foundational understanding is key, enabling learners to identify when they are encountering a genuine argument and when they are not. The syllabus highlights the importance of distinguishing between various argumentative purposes, such as persuasion, justification, and explanation, and delves into the role of language in constructing these arguments.
One of the most valuable aspects of ‘Think Again I’ is its practical approach to untangling arguments. It meticulously breaks down the components of an argument, teaching you to identify premise and conclusion markers, as well as other linguistic cues like assuring, guarding, and discounting terms. This allows you to sift through extraneous verbiage and pinpoint the core logical structure. The course even provides a detailed analysis of a newspaper op-ed, demonstrating these techniques in action.
Furthermore, the course excels in teaching the reconstruction of arguments. You’ll learn how to arrange the parts of an argument into a standard form, clarify premises, and even identify and incorporate suppressed premises to make an argument logically valid. The concepts of validity and soundness are thoroughly explained, along with methods for diagramming different argument structures, whether linear, branching, or joint.
The final week is dedicated to review and practice, offering multiple attempts at a final quiz with explanations for each answer. This iterative approach ensures that learners can solidify their understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Overall, ‘Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments’ is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to enhance their reasoning and critical thinking abilities. It’s accessible, practical, and provides the fundamental tools needed to navigate complex discussions and make more informed decisions in all aspects of life. I highly recommend this course for students, professionals, or anyone who wants to think more clearly and argue more effectively.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/understanding-arguments