Think with Socrates: An Introduction to Critical Thinking

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199331863 ISBN 13: 9780199331864

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2014

Brief yet comprehensive, Think with Socrates: An Introduction to Critical Thinking uses the methods, ideas, and life of Socrates as a model for critical thinking. It offers a more philosophical, historical, and accessible introduction than longer textbooks while still addressing all of the key topics in logic and argumentation. Applying critical thinking to the Internet, mass media, advertising, personal experience, expert authority, the evaluation of sources, writing argumentative essays, and forming a worldview, Think with Socrates resonates with today's students and teaches them how to apply critical thinking in the real world. At the same time, it covers the ancient intellectual roots and history of the field, placing critical thinking in its larger context to help students appreciate its perennial value.

Author Paul Herrick incorporates original sources from newspapers, a variety of media, and philosophical writing, along with engaging "interludes" featuring selections from Plato's dialogues. A Companion Website at www.oup.com/us/herrick offers resources for students and instructors.

About the Author:

Paul Herrick received his PhD in philosophy from the University of Washington. Since 1983 he has taught philosophy at Shoreline Community College. He is the author of two previous books published by Oxford University Press: Introduction to Logic (2012) and The Many Worlds of Logic, Second Edition (1999).

Review:

"For a critical thinking course, I would adopt this book in a heartbeat. I would also consider using it as a supplemental text in Introduction to Philosophy. The basic idea of teaching critical thinking as illustrated in the Socratic dialogues is excellent. Herrick writes in a lucid, entertaining, accessible style that will hold students' attention."--Andrew V. Jeffery, Green River Community College and Pierce College

"It's the framing of the critical thinking course as a philosophy course that attracts me to Think with Socrates--a critical thinking book that gets back to doing philosophy."--Ed Pluth, California State University, Chico

"Awesome. I cannot wait until the book is published."--Beverly J. Whelton, Wheeling Jesuit University k Yes

"It's remarkably clever to use Socrates in this way, especially with the full text of the Euthyphro in the middle."--Russell DiSilvestro, California State University, Sacramento