Deck 14: Critical Thinking, Worldviews, and the Examined Life

Question 1

A cumulative argument is a type of deductive argument.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

A cumulative argument is a type of inductive argument.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Arguments in the courtroom are often cumulative in nature.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

The text argues that worldviews are best supported by cumulative arguments.

Question 5

A worldview is also called a philosophy of life.

Question 6

Everyone has a worldview; whether they realize it or not.

Question 7

Critical thinking cannot be applied to a worldview because worldviews are too "big."

Question 8

The book argues that if you do not examine your own beliefs and values, then you are not really free.

Question 9

The book argues that if you do not examine your own beliefs and values, then you are not truly self-directed.

Question 10

The criteria we use to evaluate theories can also be used to evaluate worldviews.

Question 11

If two worldviews both explain the same data, but one is simpler, the simpler worldview is preferable.

Question 12

The simpler of any two worldviews is most likely true.

Question 13

If a worldview is self-contradictory, it is rationally unacceptable.

Question 14

Critical thinkers strive for a worldview that "feels" right.

Question 15

Efficacy is one desirable feature of a worldview.

Question 16

The standard of conservatism means judging a worldview on the basis of how well it comports with the platform of the Republican party.

Question 17

Critical thinkers outsource responsibility for their beliefs and values.

Question 18

According to the text, worldviews are chosen on the basis of feelings rather than reasoning.

Question 19

Consistency is a desirable feature of a worldview.

Question 20

Explanatory scope is a desirable feature of a worldview.

Question 21

Background information plays a role when we evaluate a worldview.

Question 22

According to the text, worldviews can be compared and evaluated on essentially the same criteria used in the evaluation of large scale scientific theories.

Question 23

Which of the following is not necessarily a desirable feature of a worldview?

A) It is internally consistent.
B) It is externally consistent.
C) It has explanatory power.
D) It is comforting.
E) It has explanatory scope.
F) It satisfies the principle of simplicity.
G) It is conservative.
H) It is testable.

Question 24

The text suggests that a worldview can be supported by

A) a single sound deductive argument.
B) a single strong inductive argument.
C) a cumulative induction argument.
D) faith in yourself.

Question 25

The text suggests that worldviews

A) cannot be supported by reason.
B) ought to rest on reasons.
C) are based ultimately on faith.
D) ought to be rejected in favor of science

Question 26

The text argues that to the extent that you have not examined your beliefs you are not a self-directed person___.

Question 27

A worldview is also called a philosophy of life__.

Question 28

The text argues that to the extent that you have not examined your beliefs you are not truly free.

Question 29

How does a critical thinker evaluate a worldview?

Question 30

Describe your own worldview.

Question 31

Identify and describe two worldviews that compete for people's allegiance today.

Question 32

In your own words, explain the general logical form of a cumulative argument.

Question 33

Take an inventory of your worldview. What are your most basic assumptions and values? How do your basic assumptions and values affect your life? How do you live them out? Did your inventory uncover any inconsistencies in your life?

Question 34

How has your worldview changed since childhood? How do you think it will change in the years to come?

Question 35

In your opinion, what are the two most common worldviews today? Compare and contrast the two views you choose. How do they differ? What do they have in common?

Question 36

Do people have free will? Is free will required for moral responsibility? (This question is repeated from the previous chapter.) That is, if we do not have free will, would it follow that we are not morally responsible for what we choose and for what we do? Define your terms carefully. (What do you mean by free will? What do you mean by moral responsibility?) This question is an advanced exercise!