Being Right: A Beginner's Guide to Logical Fallacies and Deductive Reasoning

Being Right is a beginner’s guide to logical fallacies and deductive reasoning. Published in March 2019, this book offers a complete description of the informal logical fallacies we hear every day in conversation. With over 300 memorable examples, Being Right explains why most people talk nonsense most of the time. Being Right is invaluable for students studying for a Critical Thinking qualification. It explains in simple language what the different logical fallacies are and describes how and why they crop up. The book covers the old favourites such as Strawman and Ad Hominem; explains fallacies observed and described over the last fifty years; and brings us up to date with a brand new fallacy for these troubled times: Self-Censorship in the Face of Schooled Offence. Being Right also analyses deductive reasoning and its formal fallacies. Categorical syllogisms are dissected and explained in detail. The 24 possible valid models are grouped in a 1-page crib sheet. For students or would-be employees facing recruitment selection tests involving deductive reasoning, it’s a handy aide-memoire. The book also describes and explains disjunctive and hypothetical syllogisms, and explains their formal fallacies simply but thoroughly. Most of all, it’s a good, conversational read, with lively examples and witty explanations. Being Right doesn’t set out to be a scholarly work but, because it’s easy to follow, it ends up being an effective tutor.