A Rulebook for Arguments (Hackett Student Handbooks)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0872209547 ISBN 13: 9780872209541

Publisher: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2008

A Rulebook for Arguments is a succinct introduction to the art of writing and assessing arguments, organized around specific rules, each illustrated and explained soundly but briefly. This widely popular primer--translated into eight languages--remains the first choice in all disciplines for writers who seek straightforward guidance about how to assess arguments and how to cogently construct them.

The fourth edition offers a revamped and more tightly focused approach to extended arguments, a new chapter on oral arguments, and updated examples and topics throughout.

About the Author:

Anthony Weston is Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Elon University.

Review:

This is the ultimate 'how-to' book for anyone who wants to use reasons and evidence in support of conclusions, to be clear instead of confusing, persuasive instead of dogmatic, and better at evaluating the arguments of others. No one outgrows its forty-five timeless rules, all explained and illustrated with vivid examples. The fourth edition, even more elegantly organized and concise than before, adds new material on oral presentations and Web sources that everyone needs. --Debra Nails, Michigan State University

I'm very pleased with the new edition of this book. I've been using A Rulebook for Arguments for several years now in my critical thinking course with great success . . . the chapters on generalizations (formerly arguments by examples), sources (arguments by authority), and arguments about causes have all improved substantially. Thanks for a great new edition! --David Morrow, Hunter College

An elegant, concise, and consistently useful little book that every student needs. --Rachel Hadas, Rutgers University