The Elements of Reasoning

by Munson, Ronald

• ISBN13: 9780534584559
• ISBN10: 0534584551
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-10-21
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

Preface. Orientation. 1. Recognizing Arguments. 2. Analyzing Arguments. 3. Evaluating Arguments. 4. Some Valid Argument Forms. 5. More Valid Argument Forms: Categorical Reasoning and Venn Diagrams. 6. Causal Analysis. 7. Argument by Analogy and Models. 8. Errors in Reasoning: Fallacies. 9. Definition. 10. Vagueness and Ambiguity. 11. Reasonable Beliefs. 12. Rules for Writing. Exercises: Some Answers, Hints, and Comments. Index.

Author Biography

Ronald Munson University of Missouri-St. Louis David Conway University of Missouri-St. Louis Andrew Black University of Missouri-St. Louis

Table of Contents

Orientation	1	(4)
Basic Assumptions	1	(1)
Organization	2	(1)
Using This Book	3	(1)
Acknowledgments	3	(2)
1 Recognizing Arguments	5	(15)
What Is an Argument?	5	(2)
Three General Considerations	7	(1)
Recognizing Arguments	8	(4)
Multiple Conclusions and Complex Arguments	12	(3)
Exercises	15	(5)
2 Analyzing Arguments	20	(17)
Showing the Structure of Arguments	20	(4)
Strategies of Analysis	24	(3)
Two Special Problems	27	(2)
Analyzing a Complex Argument; An Example	29	(2)
Exercises	31	(6)
3 Evaluating Arguments	37	(23)
Deductive Arguments	37	(6)
Exercises	43	(2)
Nondeductive Arguments	45	(6)
Complex Arguments	51	(2)
Exercises	53	(3)
Overall Argument Evaluation	56	(2)
Exercises	58	(2)
4 Some Valid Argument Forms	60	(25)
Sentential Form	60	(3)
Exercises	63	(1)
Valid Argument Forms	64	(4)
Two Invalid Argument Forms	68	(1)
Exercises	69	(2)
Using the Forms to Show Validity	71	(2)
Exercises	73	(2)
Conditionals	75	(1)
Equivalent Forms	76	(3)
Exercises	79	(2)
Using Inference and Equivalence Rules	81	(2)
Exercises	83	(2)
5 More Valid Argument Forms: Categorical Reasoning and Venn Diagrams	85	(14)
Categorical Statements	85	(5)
Exercises	90	(1)
Categorical Syllogisms	91	(6)
Exercises	97	(2)
6 Causal Analysis	99	(20)
Basic Causal Relationships	99	(6)
Contributing Factors As "Causes"	105	(1)
Causal Explanations	106	(2)
Testing Causal Claims	108	(5)
Experimental Trials	113	(2)
Exercises	115	(4)
7 Argument by Analogy and Models	119	(14)
Analogical Arguments	119	(3)
Models	122	(2)
Evaluating Analogical Reasoning	124	(2)
Exercises	126	(7)
8 Errors in Reasoning: Fallacies	133	(24)
Fallacies in Supporting a Claim	133	(10)
Fallacies of Criticism and Response	143	(7)
Exercises	150	(7)
9 Definition	157	(14)
Definition of Definition	157	(1)
Two Types of Definition	157	(4)
Methods of Definition	161	(3)
Standards of Definition	164	(3)
Exercises	167	(4)
10 Vagueness and Ambiguity	171	(13)
Vagueness	171	(6)
Ambiguity	177	(3)
Exercises	180	(4)
11 Reasonable Beliefs	184	(17)
Granted Claims and Acceptable Beliefs	184	(10)
New Claims, Background Beliefs, and Rationality	194	(2)
Exercises	196	(5)
12 Rules for Writing 201 Structure	201	(25)
Style	205	(5)
Exercises: Some Answers, Hints, and Comments	210	(16)
Index	226