Critical reasoning: Understanding and criticizing arguments and theories - Softcover

Cederblom, J. B

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0534009654 ISBN 13: 9780534009656

Publisher: Wadsworth, 1982

Synopsis

In this era of increased polarization of opinion and contentious disagreement, CRITICAL REASONING presents a cooperative approach to critical thinking and formation of beliefs. CRITICAL REASONING emphasizes the importance of developing and applying analytical skills in real life contexts. This book is unique in providing multiple, diverse examples of everyday arguments, both textual and visual, including hard to find long argument passages from real-life sources. The book provides clear, step-by-step procedures to help you decide for yourself what to believe--to be a consumer of information in our contemporary "world of experts."

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Cederblom serves in The University of Nebraska-Omaha Philosophy Department, teaching courses in moral and political philosophy, epistemology, history of philosophy, critical reasoning, and logic. He received his B.A. in philosophy from Whitman College and his Ph.D. in philosophy from the Claremont Graduate School. He is co-author of two books¿CRITICAL REASONING and ETHICS AT WORK (both published by Wadsworth)--and co-editor (with William Blizek) of a third book: JUSTICE AND PUNISHMENT.

David Paulsen received a Ph.D. in philosophy and humanities with an emphasis on philosophy of science from Stanford University (1971), and he is Emeritus faculty at The Evergreen State College, where he has taught and continues to teach courses in philosophy and cognitive science with an emphasis on philosophy of science and related topics in logic as well as the history and philosophy of science with focus on cognitive neuroscience.

Review

"I have happily used this text many times. I have returned to it after experimenting with other texts. The writing is not dumbed-down, cute, or ingratiating. It is clear, intelligent, and comprehensible to the students."- John Justice, Randolf College

"The book does contain an amazing collection of real argumentative passages complete with near perfect companion exercises for students to engage in learning how to evaluate arguments. I think it's the best I have ever seen. Also, the style in which the book is written is lucid and engaging."- Michael Nassif, Kent State University

"A clear and diverse survey of approaches to analyzing arguments, with many helpful examples and exercises."- Joseph F. Keeping, York University

"Nice overall organization of examples, exercises and review.""Excellent discussion of fallacies and kinds of arguments.""A good and thorough discussion of the analysis of arguments with strong attention paid to the questions of logical organization and evaluation. This is excellent discussion of modes of reasoning and encourages students to critically interact, interpret and break down the sample arguments."- Mark A. Pfeiffer, University of South Florida

"Well organized and accessible to students."- Glenn Sanford, Sam Houston State University

Edition details

• Publisher: Wadsworth
• Publication date: 1982
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0534009654
• ISBN 13: 9780534009656
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 216