Critical Reasoning: Lecture by Pankaj Govani

Overview

• Goal: Cover critical reasoning (CR) in 100 minutes, broken into four parts.
• Focus: Not just basics, but nuances why certain options are incorrect.

Lecture Breakdown

1. Assumptions (अम्श)
2. Strengthening and Weakening Arguments
3. Flaws and Paradoxes
4. Remaining Topics: Evaluating arguments, parallel reasoning, bolded arguments.

Assumptions (अम्श)

• Definition: Information the author believes to be true to form an opinion.
• Common Errors:
  • Misunderstanding the concept
  • Misinterpreting the scope of the passage
  • Selecting incorrect, but appealing options
  • Failing to interpret options correctly
  • Marking opinion instead of assumption
• Key Steps to Solve Assumption Questions:
  1. Identify the author's assumption.
  2. Ensure it does not breach the scope of the passage.
  3. Avoid personal opinions.
• Negation Technique:
  • Negate the assumption to see if the conclusion falls apart.

Example 1

• Argument: Some places with beautiful scenery hinder people's concentration.
• Options:
  1. Unrelated to the argument scope.
  2. Not necessarily true for all beautiful places.
  3. People concentrate less when surrounded by beauty.
  4. Assumption: if negated, conclusion fails. Correct Answer: People’s ability to concentrate is susceptible to their surroundings.

Example 2

• Argument: U.S. census is not perfect but still accurate.
• Options:
  1. Irrelevant to rich and poor proportions.
  2. Some poor go uncounted, some rich as well.
  3. Homeless and rich are equal in number.
  4. Purpose of census irrelevant.
• Correct Answer: Percentage of poor and rich uncounted is similar, hence accurate portrayal is possible.

Inference (इरेंसेस)

• Definition: Derived conclusions based on given premises.
• Important Points:
  • Must be logically driven, not an opinion.
• Common Errors:
  • Misunderstanding the concept
  • Ignoring important information
  • Breaching scope of the passage
  • Falling for traps
• Key Steps:
  1. Derive the conclusion logically.
  2. Verify whether another person would derive the same conclusion.

Example 1

• Statement: Can't enter premises without jacket and tie.
• Options:
  1. Wearing one allows entry. Incorrect.
  2. Permitted entry confirms conditions met. Correct.
  3. Not permitted entry due to missing condition. Incorrect.

Further Examples and Practice

1. Celiac Disease

   • Statement: Immune system attacks gluten, causing digestive issues.
   • Options:
     1. Incorrect: Everyone with disease experiences all symptoms
     2. Incorrect: Eliminating gluten cures entirely
     3. Incorrect: Specific symptoms imply disease
     4. Correct: Body sometimes fails to recognize harmless substances

2. Additional Exercise

   • Solve on your own and share answers in comments.

Closing Remarks

• Request feedback and suggestions for future videos.
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• Thank you and have a great day!