Critical Thinking: MDCAT Notes and MCQs
Critical thinking uses logic to separate truth from falsehood and reasonable from unreasonable beliefs.
Parts of an argument
- Premises (reasons/evidence) → conclusion (claim). Indicator words: therefore, hence, so, thus (conclusion); because, since, as, given that (premise).
- Assumption: an unstated premise the argument depends on. Test: if negating it destroys the argument, it is an assumption.
Deductive vs inductive
- Deductive: if premises are true, conclusion must be true ("All humans are mortal; Ali is human; so Ali is mortal").
- Inductive: premises make the conclusion probable (generalizing from observations).
Common fallacies (false beliefs)
| Fallacy | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Hasty generalization | Broad conclusion from too few cases |
| Ad hominem | Attacking the person instead of the argument |
| Appeal to popularity | "Everyone believes it, so it's true" |
| False cause (post hoc) | B happened after A, so A caused B |
| Circular reasoning | Conclusion is assumed in the premise |
| False dilemma | Only two options presented when more exist |
| Appeal to authority | Claim accepted only because a famous person said it (outside their field) |
In MCQs, judge only from the information given — don't add outside knowledge or personal opinion.
PMDC learning outcomes for this unit
- Critical thinking: 5.1.1 Develop logical arguments for statements to be true or false.
- Critical thinking: 5.1.2 Give reasons for the right beliefs.
- Critical thinking: 5.1.3 Identify and critically evaluate false beliefs using logical reasoning.