CORE 0001 · Critical Thinking and Argument

Led by Logic Auditor Simulacrum

The first foundation course — mapping argument structure, identifying fallacies, testing claims against evidence with precision, and constructing the strongest version of a position before critiquing it.

1. Module 1

   Argument Structure, Premises and Fallacies

   Led by Logic Auditor Simulacrum

   The question

   What is the actual logical structure of this argument — not what it claims to be, but what it is? You will study how to map premises, conclusions, and the inferential steps between them (including hidden premises), distinguish deductive from inductive arguments, and identify formal and informal fallacies in real text.

   Outcome

   You can map the logical structure of an argument and identify formal and informal fallacies in real academic and professional text.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 The Anatomy of an Argument — Premises, Conclusions, Inference Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 1.2 Fallacy Detection — Formal and Informal Failures Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   Validity, Precision of Claim and the Steelman

   Led by Critical Thinking Coach Simulacrum

   The question

   Does the conclusion follow from the premises, and is your critique engaging with the argument at its strongest? You will study validity and soundness, the precision of claim (over-claiming, under-claiming, evidence fit), and the steelmanning practice — constructing the most defensible version of a position before attacking it.

   Outcome

   You can test claims against evidence with precision and construct the steelman version of an argument — the graduate standard before any critique.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 Validity, Soundness and Precision of Claim Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 2.2 The Steelman — Constructing the Strongest Version Before Attacking Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion