Critical Reasoning: A Practical Introduction - Softcover

Thomson, Anne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415132053 ISBN 13: 9780415132053

Publisher: Routledge, 1996

Synopsis

Reasoning is the everyday process that we all use in order to draw conclusions from facts or evidence. To think critically about what you read and hear is a vital skill for everyone, whether you are a student or not. When we are faced with texts, news items or speeches, what is being said is often obscured by the words used and we may be unsure whether our reasoning, or that of others, is in fact sound. By the end of this topical and exercise-based introduction to critical thinking, you will be able to: * identify flaws in arguments * analyse the reasoning in newspaper articles, books or speeches * approach any topic with the ability to reason clearly and to think critically This stimulating new introduction to reasoning will appeal to all those who would like to improve their reasoning skills, whether at work, in class or in the seminar.

About this title

Review

Praise for the first edition:'For the reader wanting a general introduction to critical reasoning, this book is a good one. It contains some good advice and plenty of practical examples.' - Philosophy Today

'Admirable clarity, supported by a wealth of useful examples and exercises.' - Philosophical Books

Synopsis

Critical reasoning is primarily concerned with giving reasons for one's beliefs and actions, analysing and evaluating one's own and other people's reasoning, and devising and constructing better reasoning. This new and original textbook offers the opportunity to practise reasoning in a clear-headed and critical way. It aims to develop an awareness of the importance of reasoning well, and of improving the reader's skill in analysing and evaluating arguments. Anne Thomson combines examples of topical newspaper articles, such as the British BSE Beef controversy and reporting on crime statistics, with exercises to help develop reasoning ability.

The approach is valuable in four important ways: * practise on particular skills will improve the ability to evaluate longer passages of reasoning * the use of lively topics of general interest does not require readers to have specialist knowledge * model answers enable readers to check their progress throughout the book in the classroom or at home * a final exercise allows readers to form their own opinions on longer passages This stimulating new textbook encourages students to develop a range of transferable reasoning skills for any discipline, providing an invaluable foundation in critical reasoning skills of use well beyond school, undergraduate or college studies.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415132053
• ISBN 13: 9780415132053
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192