You are here:

Atheism/your formula for critical thinking

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/30/2009


Question
Do you have a particular set of questions when you analyze a
topic and if so can you give us some pointers?
You always seem to be on target and I really appreciate your
ability to think and your explanations.  Keep it up!
Laura

Answer
More important than any questions is a set of principles. I've made an effort to study logic: how arguments work, how they fail, and logical fallacies.

The questions you should be asking include: Is this statement a premise or an inference? If it's a premise, can it be taken for granted or must it be supported? If it's an inference, what is it based on and is it a valid inference? If it's the conclusion, does it follow from the rest of the argument's statements?

Here are some links to get you started:

http://atheism.about.com/od/logicalarguments/
http://atheism.about.com/od/logicalfallacies/
http://atheism.about.com/od/logicalflawsinreasoning/

Atheism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Austin Cline

Expertise

I can address questions regarding atheism, agnosticism, skepticism, humanism, religious philosophy & history, and arguments both for and against theism. I am also familiar with many of the skeptical and atheist resources in print and on the internet.

Experience

I have been an atheist and a secular humanist for many years. I actively run a site about agnosticism & atheism and attempt to help people understand more about these topics. I have made extensive study of both philosophy and of a wide vareity of religions.

Organizations
I belong to the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Council for Secular Humanism.

Publications
My writings appear every week on the Agnosticism/Atheism site

Education/Credentials
I have a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA from Princeton University. I have also studied in Germany and Switzerland.

Awards and Honors
Phi Beta Kappa and a Fulbright Scholar.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.