Good Reasoning Matters!

In this second edition of their successful book, the authors introduce over 150 new examples of argumentation from contemporary and ancient sources, ranging from Plato and Aristotle to university student newspapers. This completely revised edition also includes a section which gives sample answers to some of the many exercises found throughout the book. Many books on reasoning emphasize fallacies, or bad arguments--an emphasis that can promote the jaded attitude that logic is a tool of finding fault with arguments and arguers. This innovative approach to critical thinking emphasizes the construction of good arguments instead. By isolating and focusing on the components of good reasoning, it teaches readers how to reason well and build their own good arguments. Bad arguments are treated as those which violate the criteria governing the good arguments. Analyzing bad arugments in this manner requires time and thought and avoids the hasty application of a fallacy label. Recognizing the importance of rhetorical considerations, this book also moves beyond traditional approaches to logic by introducing readers to the importance and intricacies of audience.