PHL111 is a three-credit introduction to critical thinking at Southern New Hampshire University, offered online and on campus.
The catalog opens with questions: what makes a good argument, are some beliefs better than others, and why should we believe a certain view? It presents philosophy as practical, a way to solve problems, communicate ideas and uncover truth.
Students challenge assumptions, evaluate arguments from different perspectives and take positions on contemporary issues, using real-world situations and case studies.
The hardest shift is from having opinions to supporting them. Marks go to clear reasoning, not to how strongly you feel.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
| Course code | PHL111 |
| Credits | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Delivery | Online and on campus |
| Subject area | Philosophy, reasoning and argument |
| Typical work | Argument analysis, case studies, position papers (varies by term) |
What PHL111 Covers
| Strand (from the catalog) | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Good arguments | Premises, conclusions and whether the support is strong |
| Assumptions | Spotting what an argument takes for granted |
| Evaluating perspectives | Giving other views a fair hearing before judging them |
| Contemporary issues | Taking and defending a position on a current question |
| Real-world cases | Applying reasoning skills to situations from experience |
Key Concepts Explained
Premises and Conclusions
An argument gives reasons (premises) for a claim (the conclusion). The first job is to separate them. Words such as "therefore" and "because" often signal which is which.
Invented illustration: "Our team has missed three deadlines in a row, so we should change how we plan." Conclusion: change planning. Premise: three deadlines were missed. Hidden assumption: missed deadlines come from planning, not from something else. Naming that assumption is the critical move.
Common Fallacies
- Ad hominem: attacking the person instead of the argument.
- Straw man: misrepresenting a view to make it easier to dismiss.
- False dilemma: presenting two options when more exist.
- Appeal to popularity: treating widespread belief as proof.
Charitable Evaluation
State an opposing view in its strongest form before responding. This shows fairness and makes your own position more persuasive.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Task type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Argument analysis | Identifying structure and flaws | List premises and conclusion, then test each link |
| Case study response | Applying reasoning to a situation | Describe the facts, name the assumptions, reach a reasoned view |
| Position paper | Defending a view on an issue | Present the strongest objection and reply to it |
| Discussion posts | Engaging with others' reasoning | Respond to the argument, not the person |
A Repeatable Method for Any Argument
When a prompt hands you a passage or a case, a fixed routine saves time and prevents missed steps. Try this one on every task until it becomes automatic.
| Step | What to do | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the conclusion | Ask what the author wants you to accept | One sentence |
| 2. List the premises | Pick out each reason offered | A numbered list |
| 3. Surface assumptions | Ask what must be true for the reasons to work | One or two hidden premises |
| 4. Test the support | Check evidence, relevance and sufficiency | Strengths and weaknesses |
| 5. Consider other views | State the best opposing case | A short paragraph |
| 6. Judge | Say how convincing the argument is and why | A reasoned verdict |
Because the catalog says the course draws on your own experience, you can also apply the method to situations from work or daily life. Describe the situation briefly, then run the six steps. Your reader should be able to see each step in your writing, even if you do not label them.
Writing a Position Paper on a Contemporary Issue
The catalog says students articulate positions on contemporary issues. A position paper follows a simple arc.
- State the issue and your position in the opening paragraph.
- Give two or three reasons, each with evidence.
- Present the strongest opposing argument fairly.
- Reply to it, and say what would change your mind.
Readers trust writers who show they understand the other side. Avoid loaded language that signals the verdict before the argument.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Opinion without reasons. Add at least two supporting premises.
- Missing the hidden assumption. Ask what must be true for the premises to support the conclusion.
- Calling everything a fallacy. Name a fallacy only when you can show where the reasoning goes wrong.
- Ignoring the other side. A fair account of opposing views is usually part of the rubric.
Study Tips for PHL111
- Practice diagramming arguments from newspaper opinion pieces.
- Keep a fallacy list with one example in your own words.
- Write the strongest objection to your own view before you submit.
- Use examples from your own experience, as the catalog encourages.
How We Help with PHL111
Send your prompt, rubric, readings and instructor feedback. A writer with a philosophy background can prepare a model argument analysis, explain a concept with an example, or review your own draft.
GradeEssays is independent of Southern New Hampshire University. Our work is a study and reference aid: use it to understand the skills, then write and submit your own work under SNHU's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch and plagiarism-checked, with free revisions within the scope of your original request and a full refund if late.
Strengthen Your PHL111 Reasoning
Share the assignment and any feedback. We prepare a custom analysis to study or review your draft and explain each suggestion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Critical thinking and reasoning: building and evaluating arguments, challenging assumptions and taking positions on contemporary issues.
Yes. The catalog lists both online and campus offerings.
The catalog entry we checked lists none.
PHL111 teaches everyday argument and critical thinking. PHL214 is a formal logic course on principles of correct and incorrect argument.
No. It is an introductory course that draws on your own experience.
Yes. Send the prompt and rubric and we prepare a custom paper or review your draft.