Thinking with Concepts [Paperback]

John Wilson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521096014 | ISBN-13: 978-0521096010 | Publication Date: April 1, 1970 | Edition: 1

In his preface Mr Wilson writes 'I feel that a great many adults ... would do better to spend less time in simply accepting the concepts of others uncritically, and more time in learning how to analyse concepts in general'. Mr Wilson starts by describing the techniques of conceptual analysis. He then gives examples of them in action by composing answers to specific questions and by criticism of quoted passages of argument. Chapter 3 sums up the importance of this kind of mental activity. Chapter 4 presents selections for the reader to analyse, followed by questions of university entrance/scholarship type. This is a book to be worked through, in a sense a text-book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'In this book, Mr Wilson outlines a system of mental engineering to canalise the potentialities of the youthful mind. The result is a work of absorbing interest and a model of clear thought and clear writing.' London Head Teacher

'His exposition is fairly elementary ... but it is always intelligent, and many readers would certainly be better for learning his lessons. This book could do good, and not only at the relatively humble level of preparation for General Papers.' Times Educational Supplement

Book Description

Conceptual analysis as a specialized subject in its own right, which can be easily taught and learned.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (April 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521096014
• ISBN-13: 978-0521096010
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 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: #417,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book to learn how to think better, October 22, 2004

By 

E. Jars (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thinking with Concepts (Paperback)

Wilson provides a some good guidelines to learn how to think better. He teachs us how to think with concepts, including techniques and pitfalls.

4 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Analysis for regular people, December 11, 1999

By 

David N. Wendelken (Fayetteville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thinking with Concepts (Paperback)

Wilson explains how to think in everyday terms that make sense to regular people (although some of his examples are British, not American.)

I highly recommend it for anyone who needs to develop their analysis skills or who is responsible for improving those skills in others.