Learn critical thinking and logical reasoning to create valid arguments, avoid logical fallacies, and solve real-world problems using tools like if-then implications and Aristotle’s logic.

Critical and logical thinking are essential in today’s democratic society and professional organizations. This course lays a foundation for these skills by embedding logic into everyday language and situations.

You will learn to create logically valid arguments, recognize and avoid logical fallacies, and focus on the form of an argument rather than its content. You’ll explore how to prove the validity or invalidity of arguments and understand the historical development of logic from Aristotle’s syllogism to modern predicate logic.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to tackle real-world problems more effectively using logical operators, if-then implications, and other tools in logical reasoning. You’ll gain skills in using logic and language judiciously in both your professional and civic life.

Logical Thinking

**Fallacies of ambiguity** are mistakes in reasoning that happen when there's confusion or uncertainty in the meaning of words or phrases. These fallacies can arise when someone uses vague language, multiple meanings of words, or shifts the meaning of a word during an argument to mislead or deceive others. Let's learn some fallacies of ambiguity.

# Fallacy of equivocation





In this tweet, the politician uses the word "cost" in two different senses. The opponents of the healthcare plan likely refer to the monetary cost of implementing the plan, while the politician suggests that the cost of not providing healthcare is the cost of human suffering and even death. By equivocating the meaning of "cost," the politician avoids the opponents' argument and tries to make it seem like there's no alternative to implementing the healthcare plan.

Can you think of a scenario for the same type of fallacy but in a non-political scenario?



Learn about fallacies of ambiguity with examples.

Introduction to Logical Thinking

Fallacies in Logic

Logical Argument

What Is Logic?

First Theory of Logic: Aristotle’s Logic

Second Theory of Logic: Propositional Logic

Third Theory of Logic: Predicate Logic

Logical Reasoning in Action

Wrap Up

Fallacies of Ambiguity

Fallacy of equivocation