A Rulebook for Arguments

From academic writing to personal and public discourse, the need for good arguments and better ways of arguing is greater than ever before.

This timely fifth edition of A Rulebook for Arguments sharpens an already-classic text, adding updated examples and a new chapter on public debates that provides rules for the etiquette and ethics of sound public dialogue as well as clear and sound thinking in general.

Table of Contents

I. Short Arguments: Some General Rules

II. Arguments by Example

Ill. Arguments by Analogy

IV. Arguments from Authority

V. Arguments about Causes

VI. Deductive Arguments

VII. Extended Arguments

VIII. Argumentative Essays

IX. Oral Arguments

X. Public Debates

Appendix I: Some Common Fallacies

Appendix II: Definitions

Review

“This is the ultimate ‘how-to’ book for anyone who wants to use reasons and evidence in support of conclusions, to be clear instead of confusing, persuasive instead of dogmatic, and better at evaluating the arguments of others.”

–Debra Nails, Michigan State University

About the Author

Anthony Weston is Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Elon University.