Critical Reasoning — Definition

Definition

Critical reasoning evaluates how well a conclusion is supported by the reasons offered for it. It separates evidence, assumptions and objections instead of treating every sentence as equally important.

An argument may use accurate facts and still reach an unjustified conclusion because it overlooks another explanation or applies a rule too broadly. The task is not to agree with the speaker's values or to supply an impressive fact about the subject.

It is to identify the relationship between premises and conclusion, then assess the particular link the question asks about. Strengthening, weakening and identifying assumptions are related but different operations.