Think Sharp: High School Logic

In an era of information overload, misinformation, and persuasive media, the ability to think clearly, reason soundly, and evaluate arguments is an essential life skill. This year-long course introduces students to the foundational principles of logic and critical thinking, equipping them with tools to distinguish good reasoning from poor, detect flaws in arguments, and construct persuasive arguments of their own.

Students will explore both informal logic (everyday reasoning and common errors) and introductory formal logic (structured arguments and deductive validity), fostering intellectual confidence and analytical precision.  Students will also practice disagreeing without being disagreeable.

Key Topics Covered:

• Fundamentals of arguments: identifying premises, conclusions, and assumptions

• Informal logical fallacies (e.g., ad hominem, straw man, false dilemma, appeal to emotion, slippery slope)

• Inductive and deductive reasoning

• Evaluating evidence, credibility, and bias

• Basic categorical syllogisms and introductory propositional logic

• Constructing sound arguments and effective persuasion

• Applications to real-life scenarios: media literacy, ethical debates, science, and decision-making