Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This specialization from Duke University is designed to build your logical and critical thinking skills step by step, across four courses. Each course takes approximately 4 weeks to complete, with a recommended 3-4 hours per week. You'll progress from identifying basic arguments to constructing sound reasoning, evaluating evidence, and detecting fallacies in real-world contexts. The course combines theory with practical exercises using real-life examples, preparing you to think clearly and reason effectively in academic, professional, and everyday situations.

Module 1: Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Recognizing arguments in everyday language
• Distinguishing premises from conclusions
• Identifying unstated assumptions
• Reconstructing arguments for clarity and analysis

Module 2: Think Again II: How to Reason Deductively

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Understanding validity and soundness
• Using truth tables to evaluate arguments
• Applying logical symbols and notation
• Constructing and assessing deductive arguments

Module 3: Think Again III: How to Reason Inductively

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Assessing inductive strength and probability
• Reasoning by analogy
• Making generalizations from samples
• Evaluating causal arguments and statistical evidence

Module 4: Think Again IV: How to Avoid Fallacies

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Identifying common logical fallacies
• Detecting ad hominem and straw man arguments
• Recognizing slippery slope and false dilemma reasoning
• Analyzing flawed arguments in media and public discourse

Module 5: Applying Critical Thinking in Real-World Contexts

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Evaluating evidence in news and opinion pieces
• Constructing well-supported arguments
• Improving decision-making using logical frameworks

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Deliverable 1: Analyze a real-world argument for structure and reasoning
• Deliverable 2: Identify any logical fallacies present
• Deliverable 3: Rewrite the argument to improve its logical strength

Prerequisites

• Basic reading and comprehension skills in English
• No prior knowledge of logic required
• Willingness to engage with abstract reasoning concepts

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Identify and reconstruct arguments in written and spoken form
• Distinguish between valid and invalid deductive reasoning
• Evaluate inductive arguments and probabilistic claims
• Recognize and avoid common logical fallacies
• Construct clear, well-reasoned arguments in academic and professional settings