Informal logic

High school (ages 12+)
Thinking & Learning

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/informal-logic

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the disciplinary focus?Development of non-formal standards for analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, criticizing, and constructing argumentation
2. What is the core objective?To remain closer to the practice of argumentation than formal logic
3. How is informal logic different from formal logic?Formal logic focuses on the shape or form of an argument, while informal logic looks at the actual words, meaning, and context of everyday arguments.
4. Why do we need informal logic?It helps us spot tricks and mistakes in everyday talks, like politics or friends, so we can decide if the argument is good and make smarter choices.

Argumentation Theory: An interdisciplinary field examining the processes and products of argumentation in various contexts.
Informal Fallacy: A defect in an argument that is based on its content or context, rather than its logical form.
Natural Language: Human language as it is ordinarily spoken or written, as opposed to artificial or formal languages.