Argumentation and Critical Decision Making (6th Edition) [Hardcover]

Richard D. Rieke (Author), Malcolm O. Sillars (Author), Tarla Rai Peterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0205417930 | ISBN-13: 978-0205417933 | Edition: 6

The first and most thoroughly developed audience-oriented argumentation text, Argumentation and Critical Decision Making presents argumentation as a cooperative, communicative process. The text examines the general principles of argument in a rigorous yet readable manner and then applies those principles to different spheres of life--law, science, religion, business, and politics--to explore how conventions of argument change when applied to these real-world arenas. Focusing on the dynamics of decision-making and using real-life examples to illustrate principles, this book aims to help readers develop practical argumentation skills within the world of their daily lives.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The first and most thoroughly developed audience-oriented argumentation text, Argumentation and Critical Decision Making, presents argumentation as a cooperative, communicative process.

The text examines the general principles of argument in a rigorous yet readable manner and then applies those principles to different spheres of life—law, science, religion, business, and politics—to explore how conventions of argument change when applied to these real-world arenas. Focusing on the dynamics of decision making, and using real-life examples to illustrate principles, this book aims to help readers develop practical argumentation skills in their daily lives.

New to This Edition

• The sixth edition has a new organization, with the chapters arranged in three sections: Principles, Tools, and Applications.
• Chapters 1 through 3 have been restructured and shortened, making them a more fluid and understandable introduction to argumentation.
• An increased emphasis on decision making rather than debating keeps the text away from the highly aggressive, adversarial tone of some other texts.
• Chapter 3 now includes a discussion of post-modern and feminist approaches to argumentation and shows that argumentation is valuable not only to those who are aggressive but also to everyone else.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 6 edition (August 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205417930
• ISBN-13: 978-0205417933
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #552,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Literature & Fiction > History & Criticism > Movements & Periods > Postmodernism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Could Change Your Life, April 30, 2002

By 

luxbot (Salt Lake City, UT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Argumentation and Critical Decision Making (5th Edition) (Hardcover)

Not only have I read this book, but I did so in conjunction from taking an argumentation class from the author, Dr. Richard Rieke. Dr. Rieke is an extremely experienced and talented communicator and this book would be a valuable addition to any scholar and layperson alike.

Rieke's background includes mediation and negotiation for some of the most prominent global companies and more than 20 years experience as an educator. Currently he is a Communication professor at the University of Utah and the director of the university's Honor's Program.

What I've learned from this book is how to go about the dialectical process (research, criticial thinking, refuting) an issue to constructing a rhetorical argument (persuasive case) in favor of one side or another. I feel that this book has given me a very strong grasp on how to construct various types of arguments, and how to modify them based on who is supposed to be persuaded by the argument.

One of the things I liked most about this book was it's very detailed and logically organized for the processes of argumentation. A list of terms is presented at the beginning of the chapter, each chapter is subcategorized for maximum orgnization, and each chapter is concluded with a summary and suggested exercises.

Each chapter is detailed with universally used information about how argumentation relates to various spheres (or contexts) like science, religion, business, politics, etc. In addition, the authors provide numerous, clear examples to help you understand their points.

I have used this book in not only preparing a brief and case thesis for the related class, but have used as a guide in creating numerous other essays for other Communications classes.

I will not be selling this textbook back to the university bookstore; instead it has earned a permenant spot in my library because I know I will be referencing it often for other classes, and in business well after I graduate. I feel especially privileged to have been able to take the course from the author, because Rieke is very articulate and an excellent educator.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the most practical books I have ever used., September 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Argumentation and Critical Decision Making (Longman Series in Rhetoric and Society) (Paperback)

Argumentation and Decision-Making has been stolen off my book shelf more often than any other book I've ever owned. I keep replacing it, because it has a unique combination of practical and sophisticated examples, as well as clear explanations of the LOGIC behind assessments. Gifted high school students need the standards represented in this book. Evidently, colleagues need the guidance for writing Master's theses and Doctoral dissertations as well! I strongly recommend this book to any teacher of students from ninth grade through university; you'll actually use it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The very best book on argumentation, November 30, 2009

By 

Thomas E. Sandidge - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Argumentation and Critical Decision Making (7th Edition) (Hardcover)

I've read both the sixth and seventh edition. The authors successfully improve their presentation without just adding "new" material. I liked the sixth edition so much that I was super critical of the seventh until about half way, then I realized that the authors' revision and re-presentation was superior. I'm particularly pleased that it flows smoothly and does not suffer from the usual "text book" format and gimmicks.

I'm particularly impressed by their "spheres of argumentation" and "audience centered" approach to the science of argumentation. At the end of each chapter is a single suggested exercise. I find this appropriate because most instructors will give their own exercises but someone reading the book on their own doesn't need to work through a lot of incremental or repetitive exercises (if they can bring themselves to do any of the lot) but instead can focus on one well chosen topic to think about and research if they are so inclined.

I did find Chapter Three a bit puzzling. I believe the authors intended to demonstrate the techniques in their writing that they were discussing. For me that didn't work. Nonetheless, if you only read one book about argumentation, this is the one I recommend.