Critical Thinking

Review

“I cannot think of a better introduction to critical thinking that does not compromise philosophical rigor. … Not only does the book offer an excellent introduction to standard elements of critical thinking, it also addresses issues surrounding the media, assessing and organizing argumentative essays, and philosophical puzzles and paradoxes.” ― Mahesh Ananth, Indiana University, South Bend

“ … a text which is destined to make a noteworthy contribution to the critical thinking movement.” ― David Naugle, Dallas Baptist University

From the Back Cover

Critical Thinking is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the essential skills of good reasoning. The authors provide a thorough treatment of such central topics as deductive and inductive reasoning, logical fallacies, how to recognize and avoid ambiguity, and how to distinguish what is relevant from what is not. Later chapters discuss the application of critical thinking skills to particular topics and tasks, including scientific reasoning, moral reasoning, legal reasoning, media analysis, and essay writing. The book also provides complimentary access to a companion website containing additional questions, flashcards, and other useful critical thinking resources.

Table of Contents

Part One Introduction

Chapter 1: Reasoning and Critical Thinking

Part Two Meaning

Chapter 2: Meaning and Definition

Chapter 3: Clarifying Meaning

Chapter 4 : Reconstructing Arguments

Part Three Assessing Arguments

Chapter 5: Strategies for Assessing Arguments

Chapter 6: Assessing Truth-Claims

Chapter 7: Assessing Relevance

Chapter 8: Assessing Adequacy

Chapter 9: Deductive Reasoning

Chapter 10: Inductive Reasoning

Part Four Applications

Chapter 11: Scientific Reasoning

Chapter 12: Moral Reasoning

Chapter 13: Legal Reasoning

Chapter 14: Arguing Back

Chapter 15: Irrational Techniques of Persuasion

Chapter 16: Critiquing the Media

Chapter 17: Writing and Assessing Argumentative Essays

Chapter 18: Strategies for Organizing an Argumentative Essay

Appendix I: Paradoxes and Puzzles

Appendix II: Answers to Self-Tests

About the Authors

The late William Hughes was Professor and Chair in the Philosophy Department at the University of Guelph.

Jonathan Lavery is Associate Professor of Society, Culture, and Environment at Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford.

Katheryn Doran is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Hamilton College.