1. Chapter 1 Analysis: Argument & Critical Thought
UNIV 1212—Spring 2014—Section 203—Group 1
Rawan Al-Taha
Nora Al-Taha
Umme Haani
Instructor: Dr. Lauren Ann Menard

2. Why is this chapter important?
Introduction
Why is this chapter important?
Outline:
Arguments are assumed to be bad because it would create conflicts.
However, they are actually used everyday to prove a point or inspire change.
Critical thinking is key to making a claim, finding evidence, and reasoning.
It allows a person to clearly analyze a situation before taking action.
Critical Thinking & Communication
The Importance of Argument & Critical Thought in Argumentation
Key Concepts in Argument & Critical Thought
Case Study involving Argument & Critical Thought in Argumentation
Conclusion
Q & A

3. Critical Thinking & Communication
How are the two terms critical thinking and communication related?

4. Critical Thinking & Communication
Critical thinking is a way of deciding whether a claim is true or false
It is a process that leads to skills that can be learned or mastered to reach a conclusion
The process of acting on information.
This involves an exchange of information between people.
It can be done by speaking, writing, or anything else.

5. How are they related?
Critical thinking & communication are related because we use critical thinking to communicate effectively.
The information that we exchange needs to go through the process of critical thought in order for it to make sense.

6. The Importance of Argument & Critical Thought
What is the importance of Argument & Critical Thought in Argumentation?

7. The Importance of Argument & Critical Thought
An argument is a statement in which a claim is made with supporting evidence, and then it is used to change someone's thoughts with reasons.
Critical thinking is a detailed thought process which helps us think with logic.
It helps us evaluate a situation carefully to make good decisions.

8. The Importance of Argument & Critical Thought
In argumentation, it is needed to influence other’s opinions and use an argument to discuss.
Critical thinking in argumentation is used to find a claim, reason or supporting evidence, and conclusion.

9. Key Concepts in Argument and Critical Thought
Define key concepts & give examples.

10. Key Concept #1
Claim
It is an opinion, without evidence, that the speaker wants to be accepted.
Example:
Mac computer commercials use their claim “Buy a Mac because a PC is unreliable.”
It is clear that the statement is “Buy a Mac” and the rest of it is a good reason for doing so.

11. Key Concept #2
Evidence
It consists of facts or information that proves whether an idea is true or valid.
Example:
A defense lawyer uses his client’s alibi to prove his innocence.
In this statement, the evidence is the client’s alibi.

12. Key Concept #3 Reasoning
Makes a connection between the evidence and the claim in order to reach a conclusion.
Example:
Rawan & Nora are sisters. All sisters argue sometimes. Therefore, Rawan & Nora argue sometimes.
The connection between the evidence and claim is obvious.

13. Case Study Involving Argument & Critical Thought in Argumentation
Scenario, claims, reasoning, & evidence.

14. Case Study: Coffee is Hot
Scenario
Stella Liebeck, a 79 year old woman, sued McDonald’s for their hot coffee.
The coffee fell on her and she suffered second and third-degree burns.

15. Case Study: Coffee is Hot
Claim
The coffee purchased by her was unreasonably dangerous because it was excessively hot.
Defendants (Stella) are liable to her for the physical and mental harm.
Which was caused at the time of its sale and consumption.

16. Case Study: Coffee is Hot
Evidence
McDonald’s operations manual required the franchise to keep its coffee at 180–190 °F (82–88 °C) degrees Fahrenheit.
McDonald’s had known this risk for more than 10 years.
Coffee at that temperature, if spilled, causes third-degree burns in 3-7 seconds!
There were nearly 700 complaints of burns from the same risk and some were settled with money.
McDonald’s admitted that it did not warn customers of the extent of the risk.
The witnesses testified that McDonald’s did not intend to turn down the heat.

17. Case Study: Coffee is Hot
Reasoning
Received 3rd degree burns over 16% percent of her body.
Hospitalized for 8 days.
Required treatment for debridement of her wounds, skin grafting, scarring, and disability for more than 2 years.
She had $10,000 worth of medical bills.
She only sued McDonald’s after it refused to pay all of her medical bills.

18. Thesis statement, summary, & importance.
Conclusion
Thesis statement, summary, & importance.

19. Conclusion
Arguments are used everyday to prove a point or inspire change.
Critical thinking is key to making a claim, finding evidence, and reasoning.
It allows a person to clearly analyze a situation before taking action.

20. Thank You!
Any questions? 