Customer Reviews

Argumentation and Critical Decision Making (6th Edition)

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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.

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.

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.

The book on the whole is an extremely practical guide to argumentation and also in helping to organize thoughts (critical decision making). If followed, it can translate, in particular, into better organized and concise written communications such as speeches, briefs, etc. It is a valuable read. The book however is also an argument in itself. Almost without exception, every example in the book is left-leaning and nakedly politically partisan. It pushes a consistent leftwing viewpoint that effectively demonizes Republicans and conservatives and makes arguments in all its examples on behalf of things like gay rights, social liberalism, etc. In nearly every example, Republicans are demonized, unfairly used as examples of incorrect logic or weak argument, etc., while extreme partisans like Paul Krugman are approvingly quoted. The overt disapproval of the George W. Bush administration is an ongoing subtheme to this entire book. At times the effort to include a partisan reference is so forced, as to be unintentionally funny. This is unfortunate and totally gratuitous. It detracts enormously from the intellectual material, weakens the seriousness of the book, and degrades the reputations of authors, who seem at times to be more engaged in scoring juvenile political points than advancing serious dialogue about communication.

This book is -- hands down -- the best single textbook for use in a first year critical thinking and argumentation course. Professor Eric Nelson.