YUNOVA · Logical Reasoning
Module 11: Analytical and critical reasoning
Strengthen and weaken arguments
Key points
- Find the conclusion and the evidence it rests on first.
- A strengthener supports the link between evidence and conclusion.
- A weakener attacks that link or offers another explanation.
Course of action
Key points
- A course of action is a practical step that solves or reduces the problem.
- Good actions are realistic and directly address the stated problem.
- Reject actions that are extreme, vague or irrelevant.
Cause and effect reasoning
Key points
- Decide whether one statement causes the other or both share a cause.
- An immediate cause comes just before its effect.
- Some pairs are independent with no causal link.
Logical deduction
Key points
- Deduction draws conclusions that must follow from the given statements.
- Syllogisms are checked with Venn diagrams.
- A conclusion that only might be true does not follow.