Logic and Critical Thinking: Through the Lense of Forensics
My
presentation explores Logic and Critical Thinking, specifically the
latter, in relation to Forensic Psychology. Critical Thinking can be
defined by two separate types of reasoning, rational and rationalized
reasoning. Forensic psychologists study the ways criminals use reasoning
skills to rationalize their behavior to themselves and others.
Reasoning can also take the form of “rationality,” which involves
following premises to a true conclusion. Forensic psychologists do this
when they create profiles for criminals, attempting to rationally
understand the rationalization processes of criminals in order to create
patterns that assist in stopping them from committing more crimes in
the future. Through my research into forensic psychology, I expose a
tension in critical thinking: reasoning skills can be used both for
truth-seeking and for justifying violent and immoral behavior.
PHL 201, Logic and Critical Thinking
Joshua Kerr
P103
1:30 – 2 PM
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