Introduction to the course
Course structure
We begin with an introduction to logical and critical thinking and common obstacles and fallacies.In Week 2 Patrick introduces arguments. We learn to identify premises and conclusions – components of a good argument – and by the end of this week we’ll be able to construct an argument in standard form.In Week 3 we will learn how to distinguish between deductive and non-deductive arguments and about validity, invalidity, strength and weakness.In Week 4 we examine good and bad arguments in more detail, learning how to tell when an argument is sound or cogent, and how to evaluate an argument.Weeks 5-7 examine three familiar areas – science, law, and morality – that call upon our logical and critical thinking skills in ways appropriate to the particular demands of those areas.Finally in Week 8 we will apply the lessons of the course to an argument “in the wild”, seeing how the skills we have developed over our eight-week journey can be used in our own lives.There will also be opportunity to interact with your course facilitator or the lead educators.The teaching team
- Course Writers and Educators Tim Dare and Patrick Girard.
- Course Mentor Mark Tan.
Course communication
- Comments and discussion: Please use the comments sections to engage with fellow learners and share your experiences. The educators may also join discussions and conversations at least once every week. If you follow them you can see all their posts. (You will learn about the ability to ‘follow’ people alongside FutureLearn guidelines on the use of social learning tools in the next step.)
Our purpose is to transform access to education.
We offer a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life.
We believe learning should be an enjoyable, social experience, so our courses offer the opportunity to discuss what you’re learning with others as you go, helping you make fresh discoveries and form new ideas.
You can unlock new opportunities with unlimited access to hundreds of online short courses for a year by subscribing to our Unlimited package. Build your knowledge with top universities and organisations.
Learn more about how FutureLearn is transforming access to education