The Art of Deception: An Introduction to Critical Thinking

by Nicholas Capaldi and Miles Smit

Book Overview

Now reissued for contemporary readers, this entertaining primer on critical thinking has been teaching people to think and speak more clearly for more than four decades.Do you know when you're being... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879754249
• ISBN13: 9780879754242
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding Company

Just wanted to say "thank you" for not only such a quick delivery, but I would also say that the product was in mint condition. Look forward to purchasing future textbooks with your company.

only at chapter 3 and worth every penny

My girlfriend had taken a college class that was using this book to help teach students about debate. I asked her to loan it to when I saw it because in buisness I often find my self around deceptive people that make it near impossible, even when I'm 100% right, to prove my case. I'm only partly into chapter 3, but have already put both chapters into praticle use and have found it essential when communicating with non-peers and parents. Although as an engineer, I find most of the concepts explained rather intuitive, this book has enlightened me to the fact that most people don't know how to think logically and has given me the examples I need to show them how. The author clearly defines the structure of a good sound argument as well as giving examples of what a bad premisisis in a language that nearly anyone can understand.

Incredible book,incredible review

Exactly as Dr. Schweinsberg said. This text was a magnificent accomplishment. Reading some of the reviews, I was dismayed. I of course believed that there was some sort of miscommunication, or perhaps that the readers knew nothing of the subject, or that they simply didn't know what they were getting when they purchased the book. Whatever the case, I would suggest to anybody to read Dr. Michel Schweinsberg's brilliant review. His comical yet serious review offers advice to the argumentation student in words I can't achieve. With a playful attitude, he has delivered valuable information in the same spirit with which one should "weild" the tools in the text; that is, as a serious weapon, but done mostly for enjoyment and clarity of thought. READ DR. SCHWEINSBERG'S REVIEW, AND FOLLOW HIS ADVICE!

Perhaps the Most Powerful Book I have read. Brilliant

For those with a desire to increase their skill at argumentation, from formal debates to quiet negotiations at home to shouting matches in the street, this book offers some of the most powerful and effective weapons you will ever add to your arsenal. I question anyone who didn't find it of help, since the techniques held in this manual you do not use....you wield! I recommend "How to Win an Argument" By Michael Gilbert for those new to argumentation, as "Deception" will make much more sense with foreknowledge of the subject. Then move on to "Deception" and prepare to enter a training ground that will give you weapons and techniques so powerful, so devastating that they may be more than you even wanted. The strategies here are incredibly powerful, and are remarkably effective. Each chapter you will grow stronger and stronger until by the end you will be able to win or draw every argument you will face, and tear some people to pieces in the process. Believe me when I say that I have made people scream in fury at me, scream that they hate me after dismantling them with what I learned in this book. In some ways the book is too powerful. In some ways you will not even know your own strength after reading it. I recommend using Dale Carnegie techniques most of the time in life, but when you need to defend yourself in a verbal battle or lock up with another in a good old fashion argument, then "The Art of Deception" will provide you with an invaluable arsenal that will ready you for war. Watch in pleasure and even disbelief as you feel yourself roll effortlessly over your opponent, picking them apart like a bug, and watch in delight as they finally lose their temper and begin screaming in defeat. Ready yourself for the very fast paced types of arguments where you seem to be unable to even get a word in, but God help them when it's your turn, for you will usually be able to defeat your opponent in thirty seconds or less in this situation. Please be careful however, because some of the artillery that this book provides is so devastating that you can crush even a good friend in an argument easily and make them very angry, and you may not even mean to. Learn the basic argument structures such as valid and sound syllogisms which form the building blocks of argumentation. Learn how to build and present a nearly invincible case. Learn how to refute an opponent's argument, and defend you own from attack. Then learn how to catch people in fallacies and tear them apart by identifying weak points in their case. Be trained how to attack and defend brilliantly from any front and direction. Additionally, one of the most devastating weapons, learn how to use fallacies themselves as valid weapons and watch your hapless opponent writhe in agony and drown in a pool of defeat. If you're going to get into verbal confrontations in the future, this is the next best thing to punching them in the face. Become invincible in argumentation, read the masterpiec

The Hitchikers Guide to Arbitration

Whether you are an experienced arbitrator looking for an easy reference or someone just interested in learning more about the many techniques of winning your point, this book is for you. The structure of this book is logical and easy to follow. You'll become familiar with such terms as "theoretical constructs" ,"red herrings", and many more which you'll learn to use as you develop your point and sway your opponents. This book is an invaluabe reference for those with arbitration experience and those looking to get some. I have found the tools inside this book to be extremely usefull in settling large claims where tensions are high and points need to be made. Read it, enjoy it, and learn from it. If you enjoy the art of arguing, you'll definately enjoy this book.