Critical Thinking and Informal Logic: Formula Sheet

Critical Thinking and Informal Logic: Formula Sheet

Build a responsible reference sheet of relationships, conditions, units, representations, and decision rules rather than copying unexplained formulas. Studies arguments, definitions, evidence, assumptions, fallacies, causal claims, and decision reasoning. Course titles, local sequences, grading, safety rules, required tools, and assessment formats vary; align this resource with the current syllabus and instructor directions.

Learning outcomes

• Explain and apply argument structure, then connect it to definitions and ambiguity using course-appropriate evidence.
• Explain and apply definitions and ambiguity, then connect it to inductive strength using course-appropriate evidence.
• Explain and apply inductive strength, then connect it to causal reasoning using course-appropriate evidence.
• Explain and apply causal reasoning, then connect it to bias and fallacies using course-appropriate evidence.
• Explain and apply bias and fallacies, then connect it to argument structure using course-appropriate evidence.

Prerequisite readiness

careful reading, basic probability ideas, writing, and comfort revising beliefs from evidence Use a short ungraded check, repair the smallest missing skill, and immediately retest it in a course-level task.

Reference-sheet entries

• argument structure: record its governing relationship or decision rule, required conditions, units or evidence, one representation, and a common misuse.
• definitions and ambiguity: record its governing relationship or decision rule, required conditions, units or evidence, one representation, and a common misuse.
• inductive strength: record its governing relationship or decision rule, required conditions, units or evidence, one representation, and a common misuse.
• causal reasoning: record its governing relationship or decision rule, required conditions, units or evidence, one representation, and a common misuse.
• bias and fallacies: record its governing relationship or decision rule, required conditions, units or evidence, one representation, and a common misuse.

Use test

Can you choose the right relationship on an unlabeled task and explain why its conditions hold? If not, the sheet is storage rather than understanding.

Reliable method

state the claim, map reasons and assumptions, evaluate source and inference, consider alternatives, and calibrate the conclusion Keep assumptions, intermediate reasoning, units, sources, tool use, and checks visible so another learner can follow the decision process.

Representative application

Audit a causal claim by testing timing, mechanism, comparison, confounding, selection, and plausible alternative explanations. Predict a reasonable result before working, compare the outcome with the prediction, and explain limitations or alternative interpretations.

Error recovery

Watch for labeling an argument with a fallacy name instead of explaining exactly how the inference fails. Mark the first unsupported move, classify the cause, correct the reasoning, and schedule a fresh mixed recheck after a delay.

Accessibility, integrity, and safety

Use approved accommodations and accessible formats. Follow course rules for collaboration, citation, calculators, software, generative tools, laboratories, clinical settings, field activity, privacy, copyright, and human or animal subjects. Never use Exams.fit to obtain protected questions or bypass assessment rules.

Evidence to save

When permitted, preserve an argument map with claim, premises, assumptions, evidence appraisal, objections, and revised conclusion with the prompt, first attempt, feedback, revision, verification, and reflection. Remove restricted assessment content and private or proprietary information.

Open-learning reference

Compare this original Exams.fit resource with the relevant OpenStax collection and MIT OpenCourseWare when they match the local course. Reviewed August 2, 2026. This page does not replace the current syllabus, instructor, institution, or qualified professional.