Arguing Well

By John Shand

Book Overview

Arguing Well is a lucid introduction to the nature of good reasoning, how to test and construct successful arguments. It assumes no prior knowledge of logic or philosophy. The book includes an introduction to basic symbolic logic. Arguing Well introduces and explains: * The nature and importance of arguments * What to look for in deciding whether arguments succeed or fail * How to construct good arguments * How to make it more certain that we reason when we should The book is ideal for any student embarking on academic study where presenting arguments are what matters most; in fact, for all people who want to understand the nature and importance of good reasoning and awaken their ability to argue well.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415166861
• ISBN13: 9780415166867
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Active Scrutiny

The first half:The main value of this book is to teach people to notice poor arguments in their daily lives, such as reading, during the TV news, talking to a congressperson or one's children/parents. The idea is that if you see why arguments fail, that will make you more aware of your own faulty arguments and maybe fix them. The book is very concentrated in few pages so there is no excuse not to read it. It's not 500 pages of esoteric jabber by law clerks during a trail.The second half: It's all basic logic and truth tables, so you get some academics to boot.Then, the final chapter, 6, is the most philosophical, giving the reasoning why reason is better than non-reason -- truthfinding.