Description
Book SynopsisThe Elements of Arguments introduces such central critical thinking topics as informal fallacies, the difference between validity and truth, basic formal propositional logic, and how to extract arguments from texts. Turetzky aims to prevent common confusions by clearly explaining a number of important distinctions, including propositions vs. propositional attitudes, propositions vs. states of affairs, and logic vs. rhetoric vs. psychology. Exercises are provided throughout, including numerous informal arguments that can be assessed using the skills and strategies presented within the text.
Trade Review“Compared to other books in this area I find The Elements of Arguments to be near the top in quality. In terms of teaching to a diverse group of students from varying backgrounds and with different abilities, I find it to be exceptional. The author is extremely sensitive to traditional problems and confusions that surround the subject making it a challenge to teach. He has given the higher education community a standard of the highest caliber with admirable benefit to the students we serve.” — Dennis Brandon, California State University, Northridge
“In a crowded field of introductory texts, The Elements of Arguments stands out. Turetzky has achieved in one volume an admirably clear presentation of both ‘critical thinking’ and ‘logic’ as distinct but overlapping disciplines. Instructors will benefit greatly from the book’s lucid definitions, careful distinctions, and abundant exercises. Students will find their reading rewarded with varied and accessible examples as well as insightful sections relating logic to other fields such as psychology, rhetoric, and the philosophy of language. Using this text, students will be well prepared to handle reasoning and arguments in any subject.” — Tyler Will, Colorado State University
Table of Contents
- Introduction for Students
- Introduction for Instructors
- Chapter I: Basic Definitions and Structure of the Text
- Part I - Arguments
- Part II - Some Types of Arguments and Standards of Evaluation
- Chapter II: Propositions
- Part I - Truth and Falsity of Propositions
- Part II - Identifying Propositions
- Part III - Logic and Rhetoric
- Part IV – Informal Fallacies
- Chapter III: Compound Propositions and Truth Functional Connectives
- Part I - Logical Negation
- Part II - Logical Conjunction
- Part III - Logical Disjunction
- Part IV – Truth Functional Conditionals
- Chapter IV: Logical Relations
- Part I: Definitions of Some Logical Relations
- Part II: Modal Concepts
- Part III: Informal Fallacies of Equivocation
- Chapter V: Argument Forms and their Evaluation
- Part I - Argument Forms
- Part II - Testing for Validity
- Part III - From Validity to Soundness
- Chapter VI: Arguments in Ordinary Language
- Part I - Identifying Arguments
- Part II - Diagramming the Flow of Premises and Conclusions
- Part III - Principles of Interpretation: Enthymemes
- Part IV - Argument Assessment Strategies
