Critical Reasoning vs. Logical Reasoning in the GMAT: Understanding the Differences
Critical reasoning and logical reasoning are interconnected concepts, yet they serve distinct purposes, particularly in the context of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). While these terms may be used interchangeably, they have unique meanings and applications that are essential to understand.
Understanding Critical Reasoning
Focus: Critical reasoning involves the evaluation of arguments, identification of assumptions, and assessment of the strength of evidence. It requires the ability to analyze the reasoning behind statements and conclusions.
GMAT Context:
On the GMAT, the Critical Reasoning section presents short arguments or statements. You will be asked to answer questions that often involve strengthening or weakening the argument, identifying assumptions, or drawing conclusions. This section is crucial for developing analytical and evaluative skills that are essential for business school success.
Understanding Logical Reasoning
Focus: Logical reasoning is a broader concept that encompasses the principles of sound reasoning and the structure of arguments. It delves into deductive and inductive reasoning, syllogisms, and logical fallacies.
GMAT Context:
While the GMAT does not have a separate section specifically labeled as ‘Logical Reasoning,’ the concepts of logical reasoning are incorporated throughout the test. Understanding logical structures, identifying fallacies, and analyzing the strength of arguments is crucial for success on the GMAT.
Differences Between Critical and Logical Reasoning
Although both critical reasoning and logical reasoning involve analyzing arguments and reasoning, there are key differences in their focus and application.
Critical Reasoning
Critical reasoning implies the ability to look at an assertion and evaluate it according to criteria that apply to the assertion. For example, when evaluating the claim that Tolstoy's War and Peace presented a realistic evaluation of war, one would compare this to other accounts of the same war, such as soldiers' written experiences, other historians' writings, and even other fictional depictions.
Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning, on the other hand, is more about following logical rules when applying a reasonable response to an assertion. For instance, if someone claims that summer is warm because the sun is higher in the sky than it is in winter, critical reasoning might look for other factors that contribute to warm summers, while logical reasoning would evaluate whether the causal relationship (height of the sun affecting the sun's radiation and thus the warmth) is valid.
Example of Illogical Reasoning:
Consider the statement, I'm very intelligent because I went to school. Critical reasoning would determine whether the person is indeed intelligent by establishing criteria for intelligence and testing the claim. Logical reasoning would further determine if there is a logical connection between school attendance and intelligence, recognizing that intelligence is not necessarily an effect of attending classes.
Conclusion
In summary, while both critical reasoning and logical reasoning are fundamental to analyzing arguments and reasoning, they serve slightly different purposes and are applied in different contexts. Critical reasoning focuses on evaluating and testing claims, while logical reasoning focuses on the structure and validity of the reasoning itself.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for GMAT success, as well as for problem-solving and decision-making in various professional settings. Whether you are preparing for the GMAT or enhancing your critical thinking skills, grasping the nuances between these two types of reasoning is invaluable.