Critical Thinking and Communication: The Use of Reason in Argument (4th Edition) [Paperback]

Edward S. Inch (Author), Barbara Warnick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0205335411 | ISBN-13: 978-0205335411 | Edition: 4

Relating common theoretical models to true-to-life examples from law, ethics, education, and business, Inch and Warnick stress the importance of argumentation in everyday life. This book encourages readers to develop skills in both constructing and refuting arguments. Through exercises and examples, readers learn how to create individual arguments, extend argument cases, and understand how arguments are designed and how to interpret them. The book allows readers to conceptualize argumentation in the larger framework of verbal and written interaction, from public speaking and debating to interpersonal, intercultural, and small group communication. For public speakers, or anyone interested in the art of debate.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Relating common theoretical models to true-to-life examples from law, ethics, education, and business, Inch and Warnick stress the importance of argumentation in everyday life. This book encourages readers to develop skills in both constructing and refuting arguments. Through exercises and examples, readers learn how to create individual arguments, extend argument cases, and understand how arguments are designed and how to interpret them. The book allows readers to conceptualize argumentation in the larger framework of verbal and written interaction, from public speaking and debating to interpersonal, intercultural, and small group communication. For public speakers, or anyone interested in the art of debate.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 4 edition (June 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205335411
• ISBN-13: 978-0205335411
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,147,161 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good step-by-step guide to argument and debate, April 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Critical Thinking in Communication: The Use of Reason in Argument (Paperback)

I have used this text to teach my argumentation course for the past three years. It has proven very effective in teaching students step-by-step how to recognize claims, evidence and reasoning. Each chapter contains very practical exercises for students to complete proving they grasp the concepts of the chapter. Very clear examples are provided of arguments and the impact of culture on argument (in one chapter). The only weakness is on the focus on debate solely. This is not a weakness for some, but is for me who is striving to introduce students to both dialogue and debate.

3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars error report, August 30, 2006

By 

Frederick Norwood "Rick Norwood" (Mountain Home, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Critical Thinking and Communication: The Use of Reason in Argument (5th Edition) (Paperback)

Readers should beware of an error on page 36. The form of a syllogism, and the example, are wrong. "Every mammal is warm blooded. Every whale is warm blooded. Therefore every whale is a mammal." If this were correct, then we could argue "Every cat is an animal. Every dog is an animal. Therefore every cat is a dog." (Later on, they get the syllogism right, but it sad that students will be taught an incorrect form first.