BCA TU, English II – Unit 5: Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning is the ability to analyze arguments, evaluate information, and make logical decisions. In academic and professional contexts, critical reasoning helps students to think clearly, solve problems effectively, and avoid being misled by weak arguments or false evidence.

1. Analyzing Reasoning

Analyzing reasoning means breaking down an argument into its components to understand its strength.

• Components of Reasoning:
  
  1. Claim (Conclusion): The statement being argued.
     
  2. Premises (Reasons): Supporting evidence for the claim.
     
  3. Assumptions: Unstated ideas that connect premises to conclusion.
     

Example:
Argument: “Online education is better because it saves time and money.”

• Claim: Online education is better.
  
• Premises: Saves time, saves money.
  
• Assumption: Saving time and money makes education better.
  

2. Evaluating Reasoning

Once an argument is analyzed, we check if it is strong or weak.

• Strong Reasoning: Logical, based on facts, consistent.
  
• Weak Reasoning: Emotional, based on assumptions, contradictory.
  

Criteria for Evaluation:

1. Relevance of evidence
   
2. Accuracy of facts
   
3. Logical connection between premises and conclusion
   

Example:
Weak Argument: “You should not eat fast food because my uncle got sick once.” (Weak evidence, not logical).
Strong Argument: “You should avoid fast food because research shows it increases risk of obesity.” (Supported by evidence).

3. Reasoning Implications

Every argument has implications (consequences if the reasoning is accepted).

• Direct Implication: Immediate effect
  
• Indirect Implication: Long-term effect
  

Example:
Claim: “Government should ban plastic bags.”

• Direct implication: Shops must use alternatives.
  
• Indirect implication: Reduced pollution, healthier environment.
  

4. Evaluating Evidence and Authorities

Not all evidence is reliable. Critical reasoning requires checking source credibility.

• Strong Evidence: From research, statistics, or expert authority.
  
• Weak Evidence: Based on rumors, personal opinions, or biased sources.
  

Example:
✔ “WHO report confirms smoking causes lung cancer.” (Strong authority)
✘ “My friend says smoking is not harmful.” (Weak evidence)

How to Judge an Authority:

1. Are they qualified in the field?
   
2. Do they have evidence or research?
   
3. Are they unbiased?
   

5. Two Skills in the Use of Language

Critical reasoning also depends on how language is used. Two major skills are:

1. Recognizing Ambiguity: Words with double meanings weaken reasoning.
   
   • Example: “He is a good player.” (Good in what sense—skills, teamwork, or attitude?)
     
2. Avoiding Emotional Manipulation: Emotional words may distract from logic.
   
   • Example: “Only a fool would disagree with me.” (Attacks people, not the argument).
     

6. Exercising the Skills of Reasoning

To strengthen reasoning, students must practice regularly.

• Ask questions: Why? How? What evidence supports this?
  
• Compare different arguments.
  
• Detect fallacies (common errors in reasoning).
  

Common Fallacies:

• Ad Hominem: Attacking the person, not the argument.
  
• Hasty Generalization: Making conclusions from little evidence.
  
• False Cause: Assuming one event causes another without proof.
  

Example of Fallacy:
“Every time I study late, it rains the next day. Therefore, studying late causes rain.” (False Cause).

7. Constructing Reasoning

Good reasoning is not only about analyzing but also building strong arguments.

Steps to Construct a Strong Argument:

1. Start with a clear claim.
   
2. Support with valid evidence.
   
3. Use logic to connect evidence and claim.
   
4. Anticipate counterarguments.
   
5. Conclude strongly.
   

Example:
Claim: “Renewable energy should replace fossil fuels.”

• Evidence: Fossil fuels cause pollution and climate change.
  
• Counterargument: Some argue renewables are expensive.
  
• Response: Costs are decreasing with technology.
  
• Conclusion: Switching is both environmentally and economically wise.
  

Key Takeaways

1. Critical reasoning develops the ability to analyze, evaluate, and construct arguments.
   
2. Good reasoning requires clear claims, relevant evidence, and logical connections.
   
3. Weak reasoning often includes fallacies, assumptions, or emotional appeals.
   
4. Reliable evidence must come from credible sources and experts.
   
5. Students should practice questioning, analyzing, and debating to improve reasoning.
   

Constructing strong arguments involves anticipating counterarguments and using logic.