Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Statements and propositions are the most basic building blocks of logical arguments. They can only be true or false, and they can't be both true and false in the same sense under the same circumstances. #2 A good critical thinker must learn to identify claims that are true, or most likely seem true, while avoiding claims that are best judged false. A good critical thinker will recognize and admit when they do not know whether a claim is true or false. #3 The distinction between strong assertions and mere opinions is that strong assertions are claims that are true or false, while mere opinions are not. However, opinions are still claims that can be challenged and criticized. #4 A simple claim is a single subject-predicate formula, for example, It is a cat. A complex claim is a claim logically composed of two or more claims or statements connected by special words or ideas called logical operators. The truth conditions of complex claims are determined not only by the simple claims from which they are constructed but also by the operators used to combine them.