Customer Reviews

Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

Having used this text for a number of years, I believe it effectively introduces students to critical thought and its application in a variety of arenas. It often does so in a humorous or otherwise entertaining manner, e.g., cartoons, spoofs, etc. Unfortunately, the one major drawback is the thinly veiled political bias, revealed through the extensive use of examples directed toward criticism of right-wing pundits, politicians, etc. A truly critical thinker will recognize that, contrary to the view expressed in one of the alternate reviews of this book, the authors clearly have an axe to grind (whether they do it consciously or unconsciously). Critical thinking should be as politically objective as possible. The purpose is to equip students with the cognitive skills to become informed and responsible citizens, employers/employees, and family members, equally able able to crique Bill Maher and Rush Limbaugh. Texts and courses that incorporate subtle political indoctrination arm the Right with justification for their claim that higher education disseminates liberal idealogy. Higher education should be as objective as possible, despite that fact that the overwhelming majority of academics identify with the Left. I am also critical of the lack of answers to exercises in the Instructor's Manual for some of the chapters, e.g. 6 and 7.

I needed this book for my Critical Thinking class. I wasn't very fond of my professor but this book has made all the difference. It is extremely easy read, it's fun, entertaining, very informative, and very contemporary. It deals with the major issues of the modern era. I would recommend it to anybody because it helps extend readers thinking and perception of the world. I simply loved it. Keep in mind that the first few chapters are a little bit technical so it may seem boring at first. But don't let this scare you.

I've assigned this book, in several editions, for more than twenty-five years. Which means, of course, that I've not found a better text for an introductory course in Critical Thinking. It is lucid, entertaining, and relevant to current events -- thanks to its frequent revisions. (It is now in its tenth edition).

Thankfully, Nancy Cavender has kept the text in print with new editions, following the death of Howard Kahane in 2001.

I love to read. What I don't love to read is textbooks. So why is that I read this one almost cover to cover? This book took something that could have easily been boring and incomprehensible, and turned it into something interesting and still educational. I learned a lot from this class and this book, and reading the material my professor assigned for my Logic class was awesome.

It's an ok book, i bought it for a philosophy that i'm taking. It does the job for school, but i cant really said that i enjoy reading it. I'm sure that there are plenty of book out there that cover the subject better.

The book was even better than I imagined, the only usage it showed was the front cover had been written on and tabs had been kept inside. This was an absolute steal!

I used this book in a Philosophy class, it was horrible. The book is boring, and difficult to get through, I found it confusing and not helpful when I had questions.