Chapter 2. Thinking Critically: Defining Terms and Concepts (Chapter 2)

Defining Terms

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Thinking Critically: Defining Terms and Concepts

Sylvan Barnet, Hugo Bedau, John O’Hara

Activity Objective: Examine each claim, and note the terms and concepts used. Provide a terminological (strict, codified by an authoritative source) or a conceptual (loose, self-generated) definition for each. What sources did you use? Compare your answers to those of your peers to see if they are similar or different.

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Video games are addictive

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Examine the claim, and note the terms and concepts used. Provide a terminological (strict, codified by an authoritative source) or a conceptual (loose, self-generated) definition. What sources did you use? Compare your answers to those of your peers to see if they are similar or different.

Statement: Video games are addictive.

Question Your definition for the term “addictive”:

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Your response has been provisional accepted and will be graded by your instructor.

7

Poor people will suffer most from the new law

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Examine the claim, and note the terms and concepts used. Provide a terminological (strict, codified by an authoritative source) or a conceptual (loose, self-generated) definition. What sources did you use? Compare your answers to those of your peers to see if they are similar or different.

Statement: Poor people will suffer most from the new law.

Question Your definition for the term “poor people”:

MuCQmxGZfSWJ5jjvkZoXIOgpTJrM/HgdnJu1hT2QtoEXQvlkyRqn5jhPZ8FLa4Ja2DA1k+ZR0aHXEfPYRSpy0WmZHxpsyYdX27VlXfiaq0Ynlb/v
Your response has been provisional accepted and will be graded by your instructor.

The epidemic of obesity needs to be solved

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Examine the claim, and note the terms and concepts used. Provide a terminological (strict, codified by an authoritative source) or a conceptual (loose, self-generated) definition. What sources did you use? Compare your answers to those of your peers to see if they are similar or different.

Statement: The epidemic of obesity needs to be solved.

Question Your definition for the term “epidemic of obesity”

MuCQmxGZfSWJ5jjvkZoXIOgpTJrM/HgdnJu1hT2QtoEXQvlkyRqn5jhPZ8FLa4Ja2DA1k+ZR0aHXEfPYRSpy0WmZHxpsyYdX27VlXfiaq0Ynlb/v
Your response has been provisional accepted and will be graded by your instructor.

We must send troops to protect the national interest

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Examine the claim, and note the terms and concepts used. Provide a terminological (strict, codified by an authoritative source) or a conceptual (loose, self-generated) definition. What sources did you use? Compare your answers to those of your peers to see if they are similar or different.

Statement: We must send troops to protect the national interest.

Question Your definition for the term “the national interest”:

MuCQmxGZfSWJ5jjvkZoXIOgpTJrM/HgdnJu1hT2QtoEXQvlkyRqn5jhPZ8FLa4Ja2DA1k+ZR0aHXEfPYRSpy0WmZHxpsyYdX27VlXfiaq0Ynlb/v
Your response has been provisional accepted and will be graded by your instructor.

The Internet has ushered in a new age of progress

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Examine the claim, and note the terms and concepts used. Provide a terminological (strict, codified by an authoritative source) or a conceptual (loose, self-generated) definition. What sources did you use? Compare your answers to those of your peers to see if they are similar or different.

Statement: The Internet has ushered in a new age of progress.

Question Your definition for the term “progress”:

MuCQmxGZfSWJ5jjvkZoXIOgpTJrM/HgdnJu1hT2QtoEXQvlkyRqn5jhPZ8FLa4Ja2DA1k+ZR0aHXEfPYRSpy0WmZHxpsyYdX27VlXfiaq0Ynlb/v
Your response has been provisional accepted and will be graded by your instructor.