Logical Self-Defense (Key Titles in Rhetoric, Argumentation, and Debates Series) [Paperback]

Anthony J. Blair Ralph H. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1932716181 | ISBN-13: 978-1932716184 | Publication Date: February 1, 2006

Logical Self-Defense offers step-by-step guidelines for identifying and analyzing arguments. It outlines a theory of good argument to use for purposes of evaluating and constructing arguments. It contains guidelines for constructing arguments and for preparing and writing essays or briefs. Special methods for interpreting and assessing longer arguments are provided. It gives guidelines to help filter out the more reliable information from newspapers and television news.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ralph H. Johnson is Professor of Philosophy, University of Windsor. J. Anthony Blair is Professor of Philosophy, University of Windsor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 313 pages
• Publisher: International Debate Education Association (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932716181
• ISBN-13: 978-1932716184
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,507 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Over many years, this book continues to impress, July 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Logical Self-defense (Paperback)

In the early 80's, I took an Informal Logic course as part of my Computer Science training. This book was the text. Over the years, I continually look back to the concepts that I learnt and the way this book presented them. It is within my top 10 list of books that have "changed my life" in that it gave me tools that have never become dated and continue to serve me well. In my present work, we always look at how we can assist people in developing the ability to think critically and "for themselves" -- this book is a must read to that end.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars expanding on aristotle, October 3, 2009

By 

Drake "Drake" (Montreal, Quebec Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Logical Self-Defense (Key Titles in Rhetoric, Argumentation, and Debates Series) (Paperback)

or rather making more clear Aristotle's rhetoric and dialectic. I bought this book based on my research into Rhetoric after first finding it in the library. At first glance I didn't think much of it after thumbing through some pages but I took it out nonetheless to give it a better read. What I found rather impressed me.

The book is very well structured but requires attention. This is not an easy and light read, nor should it be taken lightly. It is a serious treatise on the subject of argumentation. I would see this book in the hands of lawyers but I would suggest this to be required reading for any exec or management type; and any person looking for subjects on leadership. If you can argue well and concisely then there are advantages to you. This book offers you help in not only constructing your arguments but finding fallacies in others; at the same time it provides you with a clear and structured way of thinking; therefore the subject area it comes from - critical thinking. This is one of the better books in that area. It is highly recommended.

other books along these lines: Thank you for Arguing; Rulebook for Arguments and there are others.