Critical Thinking: An Introduction To Reasoning Well

Discover the basic tools you need to think critically, reason well and argue logically in the classroom and in daily life.

‘You shouldn’t drink too much. The Earth is round. Milk is good for your bones.’ Are any of these claims true? How can you tell? Can you ever be certain you are right? For anyone tackling philosophical logic for the first time, here is a practical guide to the skills required to think critically. From the basics of good reasoning to the difference between claims, evidence and arguments, Jamie Carlin Watson, Robert Arp and Skyler King cover the topics found in an introductory course. Now revised and fully updated, this 3rd edition gives you the chance to develop critical thinking skills that can be used in and out of the classroom. Two new chapters on reasoning in the age of conspiracy theories and fake news demonstrate how to apply reason and avoid being dissuaded by the persuasive power of evidence-free emoting. Features include a glossary, chapter goals, more student-friendly exercises, study questions, diagrams, and suggestions for further reading. Chapter topics, organised around real-life examples such as predicting the weather, a murder mystery and the Ouija board, cover: - the structure, formation, analysis and recognition of arguments - deductive validity and soundness - inductive strength and cogency - inference to the best explanation - truth tables - tools for argument assessment - informal and formal fallacies This entertaining and easy-to-follow introduction is a complete beginner’s tool set to good reasoning, analyzing and arguing.

'This book provides a comprehensive, yet accessible, approach to critical thinking. It is perfect for any introductory course on logic or critical reasoning or anyone who just wishes think better. The application of these tools to conspiracy theories and fake news shows that logic can be interesting, timely, and essential.' - Benjamin W. McCraw, Instructor, University of South Carolina Upstate, USA

'The new edition of this excellent textbook teaches critical thinking skills that today’s students need in ways they will appreciate' - William Irwin, Professor of Philosophy, King’s College, USA

SPECIFICATIONS:

Author:Jamie Carlin Watson, Robert Arp, Skyler King - Джейми Карлин Уотсон, Роберт Арп, Скайлер Кинг

Publisher:Bloomsbury

Language:English

Publication Date:2024

Number of pages:496 pst

Format:Paperback

Width:156 mm / 6,1'

Height:234 mm / 9,2'

Weight:720 g

ISBN:9781350232938