Description
Book SynopsisCritical Thinking is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the essential skills of good reasoning, written by Canadian authors for Canadian readers. The book includes a thorough treatment of such central topics as deductive and inductive reasoning, logical fallacies, how to recognize and avoid ambiguity, and how to distinguish what is relevant from what is not. Later chapters discuss the application of critical thinking skills to particular topics and tasks, including scientific reasoning, moral reasoning, legal reasoning, media analysis, and essay writing. The book also provides access to a companion website containing additional questions, flashcards, and other useful critical thinking resources.
Trade ReviewHere is a textbook of lasting value. It is accessible without being over-simplistic. It is unsurpassed in clarity and depth. And its examples, exercises, and questions for discussion offer the student unique and exciting materials for reflection and engagement." - Ahmad Rahmanian, University of New Brunswick
"I have been using Hughes (now Hughes & Lavery) since the first edition. I have occasionally tried other texts but have yet to find one I like as much. It has all the essential materials, it's impeccably organized, and it's clear and accessible to our students." - Wayne I. Henry, University of the Fraser Valley
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Part One: Introduction
- Chapter 1: Reasoning and Critical Thinking
- Part Two: Meaning
- Chapter 2: Meaning and Definition
- Chapter 3: Clarifying Meaning
- Chapter 4: Reconstructing Arguments
- Part Three: Assessing Arguments
- Chapter 5: Strategies For Assessing Arguments
- Chapter 6: Assessing Truth-Claims
- Chapter 7: Assessing Relevance
- Chapter 8: Assessing Adequacy
- Chapter 9: Deductive Reasoning
- Chapter 10: Inductive Reasoning
- Part Four: Applications
- Chapter 11: Scientific Reasoning
- Chapter 12: Moral Reasoning
- Chapter 13: Legal Reasoning
- Chapter 14: Arguing Back
- Chapter 15: Irrational Techniques Of Persuasion
- Chapter 16: Critiquing The Media
- Chapter 17: Writing and Assessing Argumentative Essays
- Chapter 18: Strategies For Organizing An Argumentative Essay
- Appendices
- Glossary
- Permissions Acknowledgements
- Index
