Introducing Logic and Critical Thinking: The Skills of Reasoning and the Virtues of Inquiry - Softcover

T. Ryan Byerly

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801030811 ISBN 13: 9780801030819

Publisher: Baker Academic, 2017

Synopsis

This robust, clear, and well-researched textbook for classes in logic introduces students to both formal logic and to the virtues of intellectual inquiry. Part 1 challenges students to develop the analytical skills of deductive and inductive reasoning, showing them how to identify and evaluate arguments. Part 2 helps students develop the intellectual virtues of the wise inquirer. The book includes helpful pedagogical features such as practice exercises and a concluding summary with definitions of key concepts for each chapter. Resources for professors and students are available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"This excellent textbook both introduces students to logic and invites them to lives of intellectual virtue. Even better, it exemplifies the virtues that it discusses. Byerly's book is a real gift--one that deserves widespread appreciation and use. I won't hesitate to use this book in my own classes, and I will continue to learn from it as well."
--Thomas H. McCall, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"The Christian academic world has long been waiting for an introduction to logic and critical thinking that is meticulous, lucidly written, relevant, and at the same time attentive to the faith of the church. This is precisely what Byerly provides. A superb book that will help students to think in a way that is crucial for the mission of the church today."
--Andrew Torrance, University of St. Andrews

"A clear and approachable introduction to formal and informal logic. What differentiates it from other logic textbooks is its focus in part 2 on the virtues of inquiry, where Byerly makes a strong case that good reasoning involves fostering various excellences of thought--both individually and communally. This unique approach will help students to see the practical importance of logic for their own flourishing. I highly recommend this book."
--Kevin Timpe, Calvin College

"Byerly's clearly written and abundantly illustrated textbook on good reasoning is unique in combining guidance in acquiring the skills of a good reasoner with guidance in acquiring the personal concerns and virtues without which the skills are liable to become instruments of sophistry. Though designed with Christian students especially in mind, Byerly's book is so good that even the most ardent secularists are likely to be tempted to assign it in their courses."
--Robert C. Roberts, Baylor University

"An ideal textbook for courses in critical thinking. Byerly covers the familiar range of techniques in deductive and inductive logic with clarity, rigor, and humor. But the unique feature of the book is its use of the intellectual virtue tradition to schematize what--beyond logical techniques--is required to be an excellent inquirer. 'Critical thinking' is a buzzword these days, but this book recovers the most venerable tradition of thinking about thinking--that of the intellectual virtues."
--Kent Dunnington, Biola University

"The church desperately needs solid critical thinkers to face the challenges of contemporary culture. I am pleased to recommend Introducing Logic and Critical Thinking as an excellent foundation for meeting these challenges. This much-needed book is for anyone who wishes to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ by loving the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul."
--Mark W. Foreman, Liberty University

About the Author

T. Ryan Byerly (PhD, Baylor University) is lecturer in philosophy of religion at the University of Sheffield in Sheffield, England. He previously taught at Regent University. He is the author of The Mechanics of Divine Foreknowledge and Providence and coeditor of the forthcoming book Paradise Understood: New Philosophical Essays about Heaven.

Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0801030811
• ISBN 13: 9780801030819
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256