Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life (with InfoTrac) [Paperback]

Howard Kahane (Author), Nancy M. Cavender (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 053453578X | ISBN-13: 978-0534535780 | Publication Date: July 23, 2001 | Edition: 9

This leading text introduces students to good reasoning using a wealth of current, relevant, and stimulating examples all put together in Howard Kahane's uniquely witty and invigorating writing style that makes this the book of choice for keeping students interested. Combined with examples from TV, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, and of course, our political institutions, the text not only brings the concepts alive for students, but puts the skills into a context that students will retain and use throughout their lives. A book you can count on students to read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Howard Kahane, who died in 2001, is considered one of the founders of the ""critical thinking"" movement--an approach to logic that makes it less abstract and more more practical as a tool for analyzing political and social issues."

About the Author

Howard Kahane, who died in 2001, is considered one of the founders of the "critical thinking" movement--an approach to logic that makes it less abstract and more more practical as a tool for analyzing political and social issues.

Nancy M. Cavender teaches in the English department of The College of Marin.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 9 edition (July 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 053453578X
• ISBN-13: 978-0534535780
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303,135 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will change your life..., June 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life (Paperback)

Howard Kahane's "Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric" literally changed my life when I was assigned it in college over 20 years ago. Prof. Kahane has set down nearly every possible trick, deception, or error that could possibly come up in public--or private--discourse. In this new edition the reader will find many recent examples of the improper use of rhetoric from news articles, public speeches, advertising, and media "observations." Despite the rather functional title, Kahane has written a readable, entertaining, enjoyable book. As in most textbooks, there are exercises at the end of each chapter, but when was the last time you wanted to share such "brain teasers" with friends? This book does have one drawback--you'll again never be able to sit through advertisements, political speeches, or journalistic commentaries without noticing flawed reasoning, dirty tricks, and irrelevancies. If everybody would read this book, we'd all be better off--except for big business and government; they'd be in *big* trouble. Educational and fun.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Whats The Deal With Not Answering The Questions?, January 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life (with InfoTrac) (Paperback)

The book itself is great and easy to understand. Just about anyone is able to pick this book up, read it, understand the arguments, and then realize when and where fallacious reasoning is used. My only problem comes with the exercises the book gives. While it is nice that questions and arguments are given where you are supposed to find the fallacy or determine whether it is a good or bad argument, at the same time, out of 28 questions, the book only gives the answers to four questions (in a given exercise at the end of the third chapter). It would be nice if a book that cost over $50.00 gave answers to all the exercise questions it asked, so that people like me, who learn easier by seeing the answer and question together, will have examples to learn and check answers. Besides that, its a great book.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What was the first reviewer thinking of?, June 28, 2000

By 

Moten Swing (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life (Paperback)

This is an excellent book, with no axe to grind--other than promoting clear thinking. It covers a lot of ground, is accessible, yet not superficial. I have used it in class for years in its various editions, and the examples, discussion, and even cartoons are always of the best quality. Students love this book, and for good reason.

Of course, Kahane always annoys adherents of astrology, etc. Maybe that was it.