Think Logical my friend

1. "Many people claim that watching violence on TV makes people more violent. This is not true since I watch violence on TV and I am not violent. Therefore you should be free to watch whatever you want."

Judge whether this argument is sound. What further evidence would make it stronger?

     2.  "Most people believe in ghosts so there must be truth in it. There's no proof that ghosts do not exist. I know someone who has seen a ghost so at least one must exist. Some things exist even if we cannot see them so ghosts must exist. People who say ghosts don't exist just haven't seen a ghost."

What other evidence might support belief in ghosts? What might be good arguments against the existence of ghosts?

     3.  Are these arguments sound?

• "It's my turn to have the ball. After all, it's my ball."
• "If you eat an apple a day you will keep the doctor away. You do not eat an apple a day, therefore you will not keep the doctor away."
• "If there is red sky tonight tomorrow will be shepherd's delight. There is red sky tonight so tomorrow will be shepherd's delight."
• If people were meant to fly they would have wings. People were not born with wings therefore they were not meant to fly."

    4.  Consequences

"You have been invited to visit a relative in a far-off country that you've never been to before. The relative writes to say they'll meet you at the airport on arrival. What should you consider before you go?

Opportunities:

Risks:

   4. Discussing critical thinking

• Is evidence important? Why?
• Can words mean different things to different people?
• What's the difference between good evidence and poor evidence?
• What does "being logical" mean? Is it important?
• What exactly is critical thinking?