The Elements of Reasoning - Softcover

Black, Andrew; Munson, Ronald

Softcover

ISBN 10: 049500698X ISBN 13: 9780495006985

Publisher: Cengage Learning, 1980

Synopsis

Do you know how to analyze then destroy an argument? THE ELEMENTS OF REASONING reveals the basic elements of structuring arguments, and then shows you how to analyze any argument for its weak points. THE ELEMENTS OF REASONING is also a handy reference tool that you can easily use in the future, no matter what setting you're in. That way, you can refresh your understanding of the concepts of introductory logic and argument analysis without having to purchase another book. It helps you get a great grade; it helps you in the future. Pick up THE ELEMENTS OF REASONING today!

About this title

Review

Preface. Briefing. Basic Assumptions. Organization. Using This Book. 1. RECOGNIZING ARGUMENTS. What Is an Argument? Three General Considerations. Recognizing Arguments. Multiple Conclusions and Complex Arguments. Exercises. 2. ANALYZING ARGUMENTS. Showing the Structure of Arguments. Strategies of Analysis. Two Special Problems. Analyzing a Complex Argument: An Example. Exercises. 3. EVALUATING ARGUMENTS. Deductive Arguments. Exercises. Nondeductive Arguments. Complex Arguments. Exercises. Overall Argument Evaluation. Exercises. 4. SOME VALID ARGUMENT FORMS. Sentential Form. Exercises. Valid Argument Forms. Two Invalid Argument Forms. Exercises. Using the Forms to Show Validity. Exercises. Conditionals. Equivalent Forms. Exercises. Using Inference and Equivalence Rules. Deductive Proof Strategies. Exercises. 5. MORE VALID ARGUMENT FORMS: CATEGORICAL REASONING AND VENN DIAGRAMS. Categorical Statements. Exercises. Categorical Syllogisms. Exercises. 6. CAUSAL ANALYSIS. Basic Causal Relationships. Contributing Factors as "Causes." Causal Explanations. Testing Causal Claims. Experimental Trials. Exercises. 7. ARGUMENT BY ANALOGY AND MODELS. Analogical Arguments. Models. Evaluating Analogical Reasoning. Exercises. 8. ERRORS IN REASONING: FALLACIES. Fallacies in Supporting a Claim. Fallacies of Criticism and Response. Exercises. 9. DEFINITION. Definition of "Definition." Two Types of Definition. Methods of Definition. Standards of Definition. Working Out a Definition. Exercises. 10. VAGUENESS AND AMBIGUITY. Vagueness. Ambiguity. Exercises. 11. REASONABLE BELIEFS. Granted Claims and Acceptable Beliefs. New Claims, Background Beliefs, and Rationality. Exercises. 12. RULES FOR WRITING. Structure. Style. Exercises: Some Answers, Hints, and Comments. Index.

Synopsis

This introduction to critical thinking helps readers identify and evaluate arguments, test causal claims, eliminate vagueness, reason by analogy, detect fallacies, and frame their own persuasive arguments. Munson and Black, who both teach philosophy at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, include many examples and exercises. In this fifth edition,

Edition details

• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Publication date: 1980
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 049500698X
• ISBN 13: 9780495006985
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 240