Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking [Hardcover]

Merrilee H. Salmon (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0155430645 | ISBN-13: 978-0155430648 | Publication Date: November 1994 | Edition: 3rd

This textbook is ideal for introductory logic courses, as well as critical thinking courses. Salmon offers instructors a unique approach: she presents material on inductive reasoning before deductive reasoning. Numerous examples and problems allow students to check their mastery of a topic. This authoritative textbook presents logic and critical thinking in an accessible way, allowing students to use their new skills in their daily life as well as in the classroom. Features: * Each chapter opens with a chapter outline and ends with a review section with a glossary of new terms. * Presents a variety of examples and exercises throughout each chapter to demonstrate the usefulness of critical thinking skills in everyday life. * Appendixes cover the proof method for truth-functional logic and fallacies. New to this edition: * Over 20 per cent new exercises are included ranging from simple to more difficult. * Answers to odd-numbered exercises appear in the back of the book for students to self-check their work: answers to remaining exercises are in the INSTRUCTOR'S SOLUTIONS MANUAL. * Material on the language of arguments now appears earlier in the text (Chapter 2). * Treatment of fallacies has been expanded.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Merrilee Salmon is Professor Emeritus in the Department of the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt College Pub; 3rd edition (November 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0155430645
• ISBN-13: 978-0155430648
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #230,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "It pushes buttons!", December 15, 2004

By 

Winston Kotzan (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (Hardcover)

This book was required reading for a college philosophy class. Unlike other boring textbooks, Salmon's unique approach to teaching critical thinking encourages classroom discussion and the application of practical situations. Each topic is related in text to many real-life examples, famous literary works, and quotes from the great philosophers. This "worldliness" makes Critical Thinking not only interesting, but actively engages the reader.

In a small aspect, a few examples may seem opinionated. When an example quoting the Bible was being debated in class as fallacious, my professor commented, "I like this book... it pushes buttons!"

The most important aspect is that the information will help you in any career. Whether a doctor, lawyer, business person, engineer, or even a scientist, these Critical Thinking concepts can be applied to many situations. You will be surprised how inductive reasoning can be applied to uncover new information. The topics of deductive reasoning can help construct better arguments for debating. Most importantly, you will find an easy, yet entertaining read.

9 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too easy, June 22, 2007

By 

A Reader (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (Paperback)

This text is just too easy; it's emphasis is more on critical thinking than actual logic.

With the intention of delving into the field of analytical philosophy, I wanted a logic text that would prepare me. This was not sufficient. It's more of a critical thinking handbook than an actual logic text. It's discussion of deductive logic is limited.

There is a pro to the book though. Salmon is neither dry no confusing in her writing. I found the book quite an easy read. (But is a logic text supposed to be?)

Overall, I would only recommend this book if you're looking to improve your critical thinking skills; look elsewhere for a more in depth look at formal symbolic logic.