How to Think Logically

by Seay, Gary; Nuccetelli, Susana

• ISBN13: 9780321337771
• ISBN10: 0321337778
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Longman

Summary

This concise, affordable, and engaging new text is designed for introductory courses on logic and critical thinking. This unique book covers the basic principles of informal logic while also raising substantive issues in other areas of philosophy: epistemology, ethics, philosophy of language, and philosophy of science. The authorrs"s presentation strikes a careful balance: it offers clear, jargon-free writing while preserving rigor. Brimming with numerous pedagogical features this accessible text assists students with analysis, reconstruction, and evaluation of arguments and helps them become independent, analytical thinkers. Introductory students are exposed to the basic principles of reasoning while also having their appetites whetted for future courses in philosophy.

Table of Contents

Preface

About the Authors

The Building Blocks Of Reasoning

What Is Logical Thinking?

And Why Should We Care?

The Study of Reasoning

Inference or Argument

1.2Logic and Reasoning

3 Dimensions of the Subject

Formal Logic

Informal Logic

Exercises

1.3Arguments and Non-Arguments

1.4Argument Analysis

Reconstructing and Evaluating Arguments

Identifying Premises and Conclusion

Premise and Conclusion

Indicators

Arguments with No Premise or Conclusion

Indicator

Exercises

1.5The Philosopher's Corner

What is Philosophical About All This?

Exercises

Writing

Project

1.6Chapter

Summary

1.7Key Words

Thinking Logically and Speaking One's Mind

Rational Acceptability

Logical Connectedness

Evidential Support

Truth and Evidence

2.2Beyond Rational Acceptability

Linguistic Merit

Retorical Power

Rhetoric vs. Logical Thinking

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