Product Description

We all engage in the process of reasoning, but we don't always pay attention to whether we are doing it well. This book offers the opportunity to practise reasoning in a clear-headed and critical way, with the aims of developing an awareness of the importance of reasoning well and of improving the reader's skill in analyzing and evaluating arguments. In this third edition, Anne Thomson has updated and revised the book to include fresh and topical examples which will guide students through the processes of critical reasoning in a clear and engaging way.In addition, two new chapters on evaluating the credibility of evidence and decision making and dilemmas will fully equip students to reason well. By the end of the book students should be able to: identify flaws in arguments; analyze the reasoning in newspaper articles, books and speeches; assess the credibility of evidence and authorities; make sound decisions and solve dilemmas; and, approach any topic with the ability to reason and think critically.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #100771 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 246 pages

Review

This excellent text is a great introduction to the subject. It will be useful for students at A level and University undergraduates. The concepts and issues are clearly presented and the exercises will help students develop their critical skills. I am strongly recommending it to my students.

Patrick Macartney, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, UK

This is an excellent book, which offers everyone the opportunity to improve their Critical Thinking abilities.

Maureen Rhoden, School of Architecture & Construction University of Greenwich, UK

From the Back Cover

We all engage in the process of reasoning, but we don't always pay attention to whether we are doing it well. This book offers the opportunity to practise reasoning in a clear-headed and critical way, with the aims of developing an awareness of the importance of reasoning well and of improving the reader's skill in analyzing and evaluating arguments.

In this third edition, Anne Thomson has updated and revised the book to include fresh and topical examples which will guide students through the processes of critical reasoning in a clear and engaging way. In addition, two new chapters on evaluating the credibility of evidence and decision making and dilemmas will fully equip students to reason well. By the end of the book students should be able to:

• identify flaws in arguments
• analyze the reasoning in newspaper articles, books and speeches
• assess the credibilty of evidence and authorities
• make sound decisions and solve dilemmas
• approach any topic with the ability to reason and think critically.

Customer Reviews

Refreshing and illuminating
I really liked this book. It's very easy to read and to follow, non-intimidating, supportive and even warm and friendly. It has lots of examples to check out that you're following the principles, and there are answers and full explanations of the answers. It doesn't go into formal logic but stays in the real world of the sort of confusing arguments we read in the press every day. It's not just about the logic of the argument but about contributory reasons why you might want to agree with or reject an argument, like whether it is being put forward by someone who stands to gain from people agreeing, whether the analogies are realistic, and so on.

I got this to revive my own reasoning skills. I think it has done that and I've since gone on to more demanding things. I'd say it's for anyone curious about how to improve their reasoning, argument-making and critical abilities.

Good value!

Reaaly a textbook
I rarely fail to finish a book. But I didn't manage to complete this one. I was surprised to discover that this book is written like a college textbook. It has lots of examples and exercises - which might make for good pedagogy but also makes for bad reading. I'm not a student and I was looking for a book with engaging narrative - and this isn't it. I guess the title gives away the type of book this is: "... a practical introduction". So I should have known better. This book is fine for undergrads but I can't recommend it if your a casual reader who just wants to find out more about reasoning.

It really involves logic .
It is a unmissiable book for anyone who like like arguments, debates and logical reasoning, but being a layman about them. It writes easy for you to perceive the principles and skills for routine reasoning. It really involves logic throughout the whole book. After you finished the book, you will find you are capable to recognise the flaws in argument and sense the power of logic.