Information

Reasoning is the act of drawing conclusions from data using concepts.

Critical thinking – a special way of understanding where you consider what you know about the subject, define what you need to learn and make a plan with dates (like a project plan) to accomplish the task.

Assumptions – something that is taken for granted based on given circumstances.

 
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Inferences – a step that causes another step. This could be true or not but it is where one thing leads to the next.

Point of view – where the individual takes a stand based on knowledge they have.

Axioms – a truth or an established principle.

Example: It seems the operating axiom is the old You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Interpretations – a person’s view of a topic, how they understand it.

Implications – when talking about two ideas, if one is true then the other is also true.

Consequences – the outcome that is reliant on an act, a result of a behavior

Purpose – to do something for a reason. To determine the reason for something happening.

Ways to learn about something:

•             Asking questions – one of the best ways to learn (especially when you are a student!) is to ask ask ask! Have you heard that inquiring minds want to know? You should ask questions to clarify meanings and to make sense out of things.

 
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•             Brainstorming – a different way to learn about something where people just say ideas no matter whether they are possible or not. The act of saying an idea may trigger someone else to say something else that builds on the idea to make it better.

Assigment

The Eight Elements of Thought and the Eight Elements of reasoning both have eight parts, but there are really only four.   For example, Point of View and Assumptions are two aspects of the same thing.

Re-organize the eight elements of thought and reasoning into four categories. Briefly describe each category. Include the characteristics of the original eight elements in your descriptions.

Consider the following:

Make sure to reference the Key Points from the lectures above. 

Example:  Category ‘reasoning has results’ – This category is composed of the eight elements where something happens after the reasoning occurs. One of the original eight is All reasoning leads somewhere or has IMPLICATIONS and CONSEQUENCES .

Of COURSE your answer will be much more detailed but this gives you a place to start!

 
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