Description
Book SynopsisThis new edition of a timeless classic demonstrates how the use of clear, rational thinking and logic can win any argument, however emotionally charged the topic in question. It describes the typical flaws of reasoning in argument and shows how language can be used to deceive - and how to avoid being deceived. It will show you how, by learning what is ''straight'', rational language, and clear thought, you can disentangle emotionally charged rhetoric and hold your own in any argument or debate, no matter how challenging. Although written nearly 80 years ago, this book proves that certain principles remain timeless; it has shown many thousands over the decades how to cope with media spin and distorted reasoning - and now it will do the same for you.
Trade Review'It is neither a dry nor weighty tome, but is jam-packed with raw rational sense. It will give you techniques for identifying fallacies and false arguments. It will help protect you from the devious subterfuges of politicians and preachers, journalists and jingoists. It is sweet manna from a rational heaven. Thouless describes 38 dishonest tricks that are commonly used in arguments (there may be more). ' * answersingenes.blogspot.com *
"Straight and Crooked Thinking remains one of the most succinct and practically-applicable books ever written. One blogger named it as his favorite book of all time, describing it as "a concise work of supreme genius." * http://neglectedbooks.com *
"...put it back on the mass market, where it belongs! (...) get it on every bookshelf on the planet." * http://answersingenes.blogspot.com/2007/11/straight-crooked-thinking.html *
Table of Contents
- : 1. Different ways of using language
- : 2. Words and facts
- : 3. The meanings of words
- : 4. Definition and some of its difficulties
- : 5. Good and bad definitions
- : 6. All and some
- : 7. Some dishonest tricks in argument
- : 8. Some logical fallacies
- : 9. Habits of thought
- : 10. Prejudice
- : 11. Predigested thinking
- : 12. Pitfalls in analogy
- : 13. Oratory and suggestion
- : 14. Tricks of suggestion
- : 15. Straight thinking
- : 16. The future of straight thinking
- : Appendix 1: Thirty-seven dishonest tricks commonly used in argument, with the methods of overcoming them
- : Appendix 2: A discussion illustrating crooked thinking
- : Index
