Reasoning is the ability of the human mind to solve problems, make judgments and decisions, and learn from experience. Studying reasoning helps develop critical thinking skills, facilitates class discussions through a shared vocabulary, and protects against manipulation by helping identify logical mistakes or distortions of the truth. Reasoning should be used to benefit all in the pursuit of truth, not as a weapon against others.

1. ReasoningElementary critical thinking skillsReasoning: the ability to use the thinking capacity of the human mind

2. ReasoningHelps us to solve problems

3. ReasoningAllows us to make judgments

4. ReasoningHelps us to make decisions

5. ReasoningHelps us to learn from experience

6. ReasoningIt can be done well or poorly.

7. Why study reasoning?It is part of our human potential; to be fully human we must choose to use it.

8. It will be useful in college and the “real” world.Why study reasoning?

9. It will facilitate discussion in class—we will have a common vocabulary for identifying mistakes.Why study reasoning?

10. It will protect us from charlatans—people who would distort the truth in an attempt to manipulate us for their gain.Why study reasoning?

11. Reasoning: cautionLogic/Reasoning is not meant to be a weapon to diminish others. We employ it for the benefit of all in our quest for the truth.