Cengage Learning Practical Logic: An Antidote for Uncritical Thinking, 5th Edition

The Fifth Edition of PRACTICAL LOGIC continues its tradition as a breakthrough introductory text by de-emphasizing symbolic logic and scientific method, instead presenting the practical aspects of logic and critical thinking. The text does not mistake technical apparatus (charts, decision trees, and models) for clarity, and consequently does not burden students with confusing and unnecessary barriers to critical assessment of arguments and claims. PRACTICAL LOGIC combines clear writing and a wealth of everyday examples to make logic accessible and relevant to the beginning student. Logic and critical thinking are even easier to understand in this streamlined new edition. With its clear language and interesting, realistic examples, students learn to recognize clear arguments and to employ critical thinking in all areas of study. Full treatment of knowledge claims (epistemology) addresses issues of expertise, authority, and relativity. Over 1200 exercises include open-ended discussion questions as well as standard exercises that help students review and assimilate concepts. Review Part I: Arguments and Cases: Basic Anatomy. 1. Recognition, Function, And Scope of Argument. Part II: Thinking Critically about Arguments. 2. The Public Dimension. 3. The Personal Dimension. 4. Careless Language Use. 5. Inattention to Subject Matter. Part III: Deductive Arguments. 6. Categorical Syllogisms. 7. Reconstructing Arguments. 8. Additional Syllogisms. Part IV: Inductive Arguments. 9. Inductive Reasoning and Generalizations. 10. Statistical Arguments. 11. Analogical Arguments. 12. Cause. Part V: Evaluating Arguments. 13. Sophistries and Pseudo-science. 14. Normative and Non-normative Arguments. Appendix: Venn Diagrams. Glossary. Answers to Selected Exercises. Index. About the Author Douglas Soccio was professor of philosophy at Shasta College for nearly 30 years. In addition to ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM: AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY, 9E, he is the author of HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF PHILOSOPHY, and, with Vincent E. Barry, PRACTICAL LOGIC, all of which are published by Cengage Learning. For three years he wrote a weekly philosophy column for the REDDING RECORD SEARCHLIGHT. Now devoted to writing on a full-time basis, he is presently developing a collection of philosophical stories that express what he describes as “philosophy with a heart,” a generous notion of philosophy that infuses all of his writing.