HUM 50 - Introduction to Reasoning

Course Description

  • Recommended Prep: Placement in ENG 22/60

Learning to avoid black and white thinking with special emphasis on persuasive appeals and scientific conclusions popularized by the mass media. Crosslisted as PHIL 50.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of HUM 50, the student will be able to:

  • Recognize arguments and argument structures
  • Recognize the basic terminology of logical analysis: deductive and inductive reasoning, valid and invalid deductive arguments, strong and weak inductive arguments
  • Understand the basics of scientific reasoning and connect this to reports in the news media regarding scientific results
  • Analyze and avoid basic informal fallacies