Critical Reasoning

We all engage in the process of reasoning, but we don't always pay attention to whether we are doing it well. This book offers the opportunity to practise reasoning in a clear-headed and critical way, with the aims of developing an awareness of the importance of reasoning well and of improving the reader's skill in analyzing and evaluating arguments. In this third edition, Anne Thomson has updated and revised the book to include fresh and topical examples which will guide students through the processes of critical reasoning in a clear and engaging way.In addition, two new chapters on evaluating the credibility of evidence and decision making and dilemmas will fully equip students to reason well. By the end of the book students should be able to: identify flaws in arguments; analyze the reasoning in newspaper articles, books and speeches; assess the credibility of evidence and authorities; make sound decisions and solve dilemmas; and, approach any topic with the ability to reason and think critically.

ISBN 0415445876   Pages 256 ISBN13 9780415445870 (What's this?)   Volumes 001 Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd   Weight (grammes) 453 Imprint Routledge   Published in London Format Paperback   Previous ISBN 9780415241205 Publication date 12 Sep 2008   Height (mm) 246 Library of Congress B809.2   Width (mm) 174 DEWEY 160   Spine width (mm) 15 DEWEY edition DC22   Academic level Undergraduate, Postgraduate

		Introduction		1
1		Analysing Reasoning		5
		Recognising Reasoning and Identifying Conclusions		5
		Summary: Is It an Argument?		11
		Identifying Reasons		13
		Summary: Identifying Reasons in an Argument		17
		Identifying Assumptions		23
		Summary: Identifying Assumptions in an Argument		31
2		Evaluating Reasoning		35
		Revision: Parts of an Argument		35
		Evaluating the Truth of Reasons and Assumptions		36
		Evaluating Support for Conclusions		37
		Summary: Evaluating Support for Conclusions		39
		Identifying Flaws in Reasoning		41
		Summary: Identifying Flaws in Arguments		49
		Evaluating Further Evidence		51
		Questioning Explanations		57
		Summary: Evaluating Explanations		60
		Evaluating Reasoning: The Necessary Skills		66
		Summary: Using the Skills of Evaluation		67
3		Recognising Implications		72
		Drawing Conclusions		72
		Recognising Implications of Arguments		77
4		Evaluating Evidence and Authorities		83
		Reliability of Authorities		83
		Summary: Assessing the Reliability of Evidence/Authorities		85
		Plausibility of Claims		86
		Evaluating Evidence and Drawing Conclusions		87
		More...

This excellent text is a great introduction to the subject. It will be useful for students at A level and University undergraduates. The concepts and issues are clearly presented and the exercises will help students develop their critical skills. I am strongly recommending it to my students. Patrick Macartney, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, UK This is an excellent book, which offers everyone the opportunity to improve their Critical Thinking abilities. Maureen Rhoden, School of Architecture & Construction University of Greenwich, UK

 Be the first to write a customer review