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The Art of The Argument: Western Civilization's Last Stand Paperback – August 17, 2017

by Stefan Molyneux (Author)

4.6 1,010 ratings

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'The Art of the Argument' shocks the dying art of rational debate back to life, giving you the essential tools you need to fight the escalating sophistry, falsehoods and vicious personal attacks that have displaced intelligent conversations throughout the world. At a time when we need reasonable and empirical discussions more desperately than ever, 'The Art of the Argument' smashes through the brain-eating fogs of sophistry and mental manipulation, illuminating a path to benevolent power for all who wish to take it. Civilization is defined by our willingness and ability to use words instead of fists – in the absence of reason, violence rules. ‘The Art of the Argument’ gives you the intellectual ammunition – in one concentrated, entertaining and powerful package – to engage in truly productive, civilization-saving debates. Armed with this book, you will be empowered to speak truth to power, illuminate ignorance, shatter delusions and expose the dangerous sophists within your own life, and around the world.

Print length

172 pages
Language

English
Publication date

August 17, 2017
Dimensions

6 x 0.39 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

1548742074
ISBN-13

978-1548742072
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About the Author

Stefan Molyneux is the founder and host of Freedomain Radio, the largest and most popular philosophical show in the world. With more than 3,500 podcasts, 10 books and 250 million downloads, Stefan has spread the cause of liberty and philosophy to listeners throughout the world. Prior to launching Freedomain Radio, Stefan built a thriving career as a software entrepreneur and executive. In 2006, he left his work in the tech industry to devote his efforts to Freedomain Radio. Now a self-identified full-time parent and philosopher, Stefan speaks regularly at liberty-themed events all over North and South America. His speeches cover subjects ranging from politics, philosophy, science, atheism and economics to relationships, parenting and how to achieve real freedom in your life. Past live appearances include presentations at the New Hampshire Liberty Forum, Libertopia, Students For Liberty, FreedomFest, LibertyNow, Capitalism and Morality, LibertyFest West, the Brazilian Mises Institute's Idieas em Movimento, Freedom Summit, and The Next Web Europe Conference. Stefan has participated in a number of live debates, among them: "Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Future of Money" with Peter Schiff, "Zeitgeist Versus the Market" with Peter Joseph, "The Function of the State in Society" with Professor Vladimir Safatle and "How Much Government is Necessary?" with Michael Badnarik. In addition to hosting his own regular show, Stefan has been a guest on audio and television programs such as RT America's "Breaking the Set" with Abby Martin, "Adam vs. The Man" with Adam Kokesh, "The Keiser Report" with Max Keiser and "The Joe Rogan Experience" with Joe Rogan.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st edition (August 17, 2017)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 172 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1548742074
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1548742072
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.39 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #604,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #13,855 in Philosophy (Books)

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4.6 1,010 ratings

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Stefan Molyneux

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Stefan Molyneux is the founder and host of Freedomain Radio, the largest and most popular philosophical show in the world. With more than 3,500 podcasts, 10 books and 250 million downloads, Stefan has spread the cause of liberty and philosophy to listeners throughout the world.

Prior to launching Freedomain Radio, Stefan built a thriving career as a software entrepreneur and executive. In 2006, he left his work in the tech industry to devote his efforts to Freedomain Radio. Now a full-time parent and philosopher, Stefan has given speeches at liberty-themed events all over the world. His speeches cover subjects ranging from politics, philosophy, economics, relationships, bitcoin, parenting and how to achieve real freedom in your life.

Past live appearances include presentations at the New Hampshire Liberty Forum, Libertopia, Students For Liberty, FreedomFest, LibertyNow, Capitalism and Morality, LibertyFest West, the Brazilian Mises Institute's Idieas em Movimento, Freedom Summit, and The Next Web Europe Conference.

Stefan has participated in a number of live debates, among them: "Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Future of Money" with Peter Schiff, "Zeitgeist Versus the Market" with Peter Joseph, "The Function of the State in Society" with Professor Vladimir Safatle and "How Much Government is Necessary?" with Michael Badnarik.

Customer reviews

1,010 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book fantastic and worth reading. They describe the writing quality as concise, powerful, and informative. Readers say it helps them learn how to think rationally. Opinions are mixed on the content, with some finding it original and timeless, while others say it's not befitting of rigorous discussions.

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Readability Writing quality Logical thinking Value for money Content

97 customers mention "Readability"90 positive7 negative

Customers find the book fantastic, worth reading, and entertaining. They say it's useful, insightful, and to the point. Readers also mention the points are illustrated in an entertaining way.

"This book was excellent! I’ve just recently discovered Stefan Molyneux on YouTube and I can’t get enough, so I Ordered all his books...." Read more

"Very excellent book" Read more

"A fantastic book deserving of five stars for how it will clarify the purpose, method, and stakes of The Argument in our lives; but which falls short..." Read more

"...Thoughtfully organized, thorough, and a pleasure to read, Stefan Molyneux serves the reader as an excellent guide to intelligent conversation,..." Read more

71 customers mention "Writing quality"61 positive10 negative

Customers find the book concise and powerful. They say it offers comprehensive teaching on forming logical arguments. Readers also appreciate the conversational tone and clarity of the language used to describe abstract concepts.

"...if the Argument, however, I can definitely see incredible growth in his writing and expression from his earlier style...." Read more

"...find the essential rules of thumb for correct thinking, in an accessible form...." Read more

"...Thoughtfully organized, thorough, and a pleasure to read, Stefan Molyneux serves the reader as an excellent guide to intelligent conversation,..." Read more

"...He then clearly, rationally, and in very precise steps explains why we should all favor The Argument over violence...." Read more

36 customers mention "Logical thinking"36 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent and insightful. They say it helps people learn how to think rationally, is useful, and a good primer to fundamentals. Readers also mention it distills big and important issues down to an easy-to-understand prose. Additionally, they describe the author as an excellent thinker and philosopher of our time.

"...about how good it feels to hear/read someone so articulate and insightful who tackles all the philosophical quandaries that keep me up at night...." Read more

"...to read, Stefan Molyneux serves the reader as an excellent guide to intelligent conversation, problem solving, and the proper form for taking a..." Read more

"I did enjoy reading it, and it's a good primer to fundamentals I feel. At times it's hard to follow from thought to thought...." Read more

"...I am halfway thru the book and it's a power protein hit and much needed insight into how to properly use reason and evidence in an argument to..." Read more

6 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well worth the purchase.

"...There is a modicum of value in the work...." Read more

"...any means, including interlibrary loan or outright theft, is worth your time and money (unless received via loan or theft)...." Read more

"...you are fond of Western Civilization, THEN buy and read this inexpensive good book. You won't regret it!" Read more

"A bargain for such a great book. This man can really explain things so you can understand them." Read more

18 customers mention "Content"11 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the content. Some mention there are lots of examples and insights into sophistry are precious. They also appreciate the original or timeless ideas and brilliant grasp on reality. However, others say the book has a valid structure but a false premise and is not befitting of rigorous discussions. They dislike the way the information is presented and the topics don't flow well.

"...long time listener of the Freedomain Radio show, but a plenty of original or timeless ideas to anybody else...." Read more

"...of an *unsound* argument, because it has a valid structure but a false premise...." Read more

"...digestible take on very important philosophical principles with relatable and humorous examples...." Read more

"...Entertaining metaphors, jokes, examples, and especially illustrations of what is occurring today...." Read more

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JP

This book was excellent! I’ve just recently discovered Stefan Molyneux on YouTube ...

Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2017

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This book was excellent! I’ve just recently discovered Stefan Molyneux on YouTube and I can’t get enough, so I Ordered all his books. I read this one first and didn’t put it down. I loved it so I went straight to his book Real-time Relationships. Though it also has a lot of really good insight and interesting perspective, I assume it’s an earlier work of his. I found myself wanting to question and debate him on a few points. With Art if the Argument, however, I can definitely see incredible growth in his writing and expression from his earlier style. I really can’t say enough about how good it feels to hear/read someone so articulate and insightful who tackles all the philosophical quandaries that keep me up at night. As for current events and history, I’ve also not found anyone who does such meaty and thorough presentations - such as his YouTube presentation on the Fall of Rome. Buy some notebooks and pens for that one - and the one on The Crusades. So well done.
Since I’ve been playing catch-up from my own indoctrination-to-awakening, i love that I now feel I have a trusted source who does the due diligence and gets the facts straight. This book was a quick read that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this for anyone, but especially if you find yourself getting tongue-tied in debates, or overwhelmed with the feeling of hopelessness after combating all the ignorance and false narratives spewed by opponents. This guy is on the Mark!

13 people found this helpful

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John Galt

Save Civilization

Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024

Very excellent book

12 years of online truth, now in a book form

Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2018

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Have you ever heard of some famous shows that you always wondered about, but hesitated to get into, because there's years of inside jokes to catch up with? Well, wonder no more, because this is the Freedomain Radio manifesto, the summary of a school of thought that is the most self-evidently true by reason and science.

As a philosopher in my own right, I found everything correct with the logical, economical, political and psychological arguments in the book. There is nothing new in the book to a long time listener of the Freedomain Radio show, but a plenty of original or timeless ideas to anybody else. Whether you doubt your political orientation, or harbor blasphemous unanswered questions on economics or suspect that the mainstream media evening news might not be perfectly honest, pick this book.

Much of the book is the clarification of thought. You will not find there the formal proof of the first principles of speculative reason like you would in UPB from the same author or a good philosophy textbook (see Square One by Steve Patterson), but you will find the essential rules of thumb for correct thinking, in an accessible form. For example, the reason comes first, and the evidence has the last word. Too often people do it the wrong way, pick some piece of evidence they like and then invent a rationalizing story about it. The book will also prepare you for social repercussions of truth-telling, which is an exciting but relatively safe and beneficial adrenaline sport of the modern age.

My rating is the same as for the show itself, 5 out of 5 stars, or 7 out of 8 steps on the Eightfold Noble Path.

5 people found this helpful

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Thomas Anthony Scheck

Excellent education as to the application of the Argument; with a few notable shortfalls

Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2017

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A fantastic book deserving of five stars for how it will clarify the purpose, method, and stakes of The Argument in our lives; but which falls short of addressing some of the most pressing issues of today for which nothing but The Argument could be objectively relied upon to provide any path towards effective solutions.

If The Argument is a superior tool to statism and religion for advancing civilization [Kindle Location 608]; then would it not follow that the most capable of advancing The Argument are the most equipped to reason-out solutions for issues beyond the limits of statist power and religious outreach?

Do these most capable individuals owe a self-imposed duty to not only inform others in the Art of the Argument but to also provide at least the basis of a blueprint challenging the toughest modern issues? [Locations: 2063, 2072, 1521] For if they do not embrace such challenges, the twinge of hypocrisy appears and the question of the Argument's potency in macro issues is manifested. That Stefan frequently espouses platitudes in how The Argument is a method of engagement with reality by which our civilization can save itself and make it to the stars [ex. see Alex Jones Interview w/ Stefan posted 9/28/17] - sets the leadership bar high in that he shows us not only how to develop mental muscles but also must provide examples attempting the best use of said mental muscles.

This is why four stars; because for example rather than tackling a monopolist argument (presumption being such argument is a tough modern issue worthy of debate), it is briefly questioned and thereafter abruptly dismissed [Location 1104]. More on this in Part #2.

What follows are two examples with further Kindle book references where there is either an error or an issue of sufficient importance as ought to merit further Argument.

Part #1:

Starting at [Location 1131] Stefan states: "The purpose of a debate is to compare an Argument to the truth. Either person may succeed, both persons may fail, but they cannot both succeed, since having a debate means taking opposing - or at least incompatible - positions."

Actually it is possible for both persons to succeed, as I will now prove with a hypothetical example: Two explorers have entered a maze seeking the most efficient path to the maze's exit. After exploring the labyrinth for several hours they enter a room from the west, from which they can take either a path north or south; or turn around. Standing at the center of the room, each explorer looks up the north path and the south path. There are petroglyphs on the north path which Explorer 1 argues mark this path as the most efficient way out. There are a series of torch mounts on the south path which Explorer 2 argues mark this path as the most efficient way out. Each Explorer takes the path they argued in support of and they travel at the same speed. A half hour later, they encounter each other where these paths connect just before the exit.

The north path and the south path are of equal length and it will take the same amount of time to reach the exit from either. Hence "If we are lost, and you say 'go south,' and I say 'go north,' we can't both be right." [Location 1131]; therefore as shown by this example there are instances - albeit rare or infrequent instances - where we can both be right.

Rather than supposing that the merit of The Argument hinges on arriving at a definitive objective truth; as a premise a 'sincere belief'* in objective truth ought to be sufficient. Here, both Explorers held a 'sincere belief' that their "side" of The Argument would lead them to the most efficient way out of the maze (their common goal). However the measure of objective reality is that both paths were equidistant options to the goal. Definition *: A sincere belief is a belief in the objective reality of a thing or things, just as they are, without bias or manipulation.

Given the objective reality of the maze, there was no reason to debate as there was no "incompatibility" between sides of the debate.

However consider the stakes for the debate, the Explorers (not knowing the layout of the maze) either find the most efficient way out of the maze, a way out of the maze, or no way out of the maze. So we could say that rather than risk finding no way out of the maze, the Explorers made a rational decision [meriting The Argument] to debate when a choice presented itself and there was evidence on both sides of the choice for (what the explorers respectively hoped [sincerely believed] was) the 'most' efficient way out of the maze.

While often The Argument is merited because there is a 'most efficient way' to a goal in objective reality; there is always merit to The Argument where there is a 'sincere belief' in 'the most efficient way' to a goal (regardless of the objective reality). Because a 'sincere belief' puts The Argument to its intended use [education and/or improvement/answers]; and because a 'sincere belief' always merits The Argument - It is a better premise than the ultimate measure of objective reality as a merit for utilizing The Argument.

Part #2:

[Location 1104]. This is an invitation to debate or offer rebuttal. While I do not speak beyond myself when it comes to monopolist arguments in opposition to (some of) capitalism; I will advance the hinge factor of said monopolist arguments as I have encountered them.

Definitions: Using Stefan's definition of capitalism [Location 1095]: "Capitalism simply means property rights, and free trade without coercive influence."

Monopolist: An individual or corporation which has exclusive control over some sector of the economy or production. Agreements between individuals and corporations which create a monopoly only through virtue of said agreement will constitute monopolies under this definition.

Preamble: The end of the monopolist question lies in the heart of property rights and this is the premise under scrutiny here. At what point is it nobler (nobler = of great benefit to many and diminished benefit to the few) to establish that there are limits to the right to property?

As corporate consolidation continues and fewer individuals and corporations own more of the resources globally, will those defending capitalism and the free market ever be compelled to make a concession in their philosophy? If only a momentary lapse of reason between cycles in the civilization.

Imagine a world of the not so distant future where it is very hard if not impossible to buy property, get loans, start a business because monopolists oppose said activities (read potential competition). When so much becomes owned by so few, why would they (monopolists) ever sell when they could rent? Hence if 99% of people around the planet could only buy consumer products and had to rent everything else; are the 99% to stoically maintain the 1%'s right to "their" property?

Must billions live impoverished (and perhaps shorter) lives starved of their potential to empower the few (monopolists) to the opulence and control afforded by the status quo? The Argument that the few welcome innovation is as boring as the capitalism exploits workers arguments [Location 1334]; because there are numerous examples of patent buyouts where the patented technology would up-end current industry and therefore was shelved (the 15 second rechargeable battery and vegetable oil powered car are notable examples).

If the few (monopolists and the otherwise global elite) truly wished to empower humanity they would be guiding society towards (perhaps) a meritocracy, where bringing the best ideas to fruition provides on the whole a cornucopia of greater collective benefits than costs.

Technocracy is about efficiency and control, leveraging artificial advantages and championing the divide between those whose lives are to be enhanced or augment by technology and those who are of little or no further use, curbing or eliminating resources for the least efficient parts (ex. people).

Between these philosophies the majority of the global elite (and some monopolists) are investing in technocracy; revealing their bias for billions of fewer humans and an expansion of artificial labor and intelligence. Simultaneously invoking an Armus (the skin of evil) where the global elite shed their own shortcomings to the greater strength of collective mind and muscle ((a metaphorical comparison)). Refer to Bill Gates TED talk about lowering carbon for the billions less of humans example.

In the most simple terms how much do you respect the property rights of someone holding a gun to your head? The global elite (including monopolists) within the 1% are developing this very scenario. The rational actor (in the 99% or otherwise) respects themselves enough to fight for their lives, regardless that it might result in the destruction of property of persons leveling actual and metaphorical guns to their head.

How many amongst the 1% have to have these guns leveled at how much of the global population before the philosophical champions of the free market will concede that we can no longer sustain the high standard of property rights (less the current intrusions of taxes and civil seizures)?

Free market capitalism is ever more utopian as fewer control more and have fewer reasons to relinquish what that have amassed. The hard work that I have no less than accused Stefan of dodging to this point is how do we as a society argue for a compromise or compel a reform which embraces the best of capitalism with a modern reality that threatens the entire foundation of any capitalism?

While a compelling argument might be fashioned that the necessity for a solution is at least a decade away; if the framework is not debated now, how will we ever pull ourselves together with a complex solution in the moment of crisis? How will this philosopher army be united without said blueprint/s? Mental muscles are great, but unless The Argument can deliver us from the pitfalls awaiting society in the near future - we will never truly know that The Argument was superior to statism and religion.

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Could’ve been great

Reviewed in Italy on July 29, 2024

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Loved the simplified approach and how it covers a lot of topics but there are quite a lot of personal political remarks that are unnecessary. For example comparing a zebra being alert to its surroundings not to be eaten by a lion to a feminist at a frat party.
I find these types of remarks distract from the actual concise explanation in most cases and some feel forced, included in the text just to provoke certain demographics of readers.
All in all a good summary of topics surrounding arguments and debates if you don’t mind the political agenda.

Jamie Rossiter

enjoyed the book, and his podcasts

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 16, 2023

Verified Purchase

i know hes not everyone's cup of tea, and hes not on youtube anymore, for me it makes me want to know what hes sating all the more when the establishment tells me i cant , his messages are clear and worth the read or listen, and as a free thinker you will make your own minds up what you do with the info you have gained

Sven

Onwijs interessant

Reviewed in the Netherlands on May 9, 2022

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Een must-read voor iedereen geïnteresseerd in kritisch denken en argumentatie.
Het boek leest heerlijk door en is tegelijkertijd vermakend en leerzaam.

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Jake Scott

Western Tradition or Academic Tradition: You can only save one.

Reviewed in Canada on November 14, 2017

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We ran a 7-episode book club on this book at my YouTube channel Good Integrate, and had a great time doing it.

Instead of covering the content (which you can hear on the channel), I want to instead provide some perspective that can help you understand what this book is really about.

In the trade-off between developing useful concepts and useful applications, this book strongly emphasizes the latter. Both formal and informal aspects of argumentation are covered; however, they are book-ended by use-cases and calls-to-action. As prospective artists of argumentation, we are not innovating rare and subtle hues on the Pantone scale – we're taking ROYGBIV and hitting the canvas as soon as possible.

To that end, there are some effective tweaks made to conventional academic theory. An early substitution occurs with the argument statuses of 'valid' and 'sound' being replaced respectively by 'logical' and 'true'.

One might ask: why bother reinventing this wheel? When authors recreate their own language for a work, it is easy to assume a lack of knowledge or rigor in the existing space. But for the current generation of arguers, the effort expenditure of translating jargon such as 'soundness' mid-spar is a handicap. Reinvention can be improvement - we don't see many sedans with wooden or stone rims. In modern dialogue, the popular use connotations of 'logical' and 'true' are much closer to the definitions of 'valid' and 'soundness' than those more technical words connote.

So I suggest understanding the book in this context: there is a combat training appropriate to peacetime, and then there is a combat training appropriate to the time when the reverberations of battering rams are dislodging dust and debris from the ceiling.

If you accept the premise of the book's subtitle, you can make sense of the pace, tone, and breadth of content. It's a crash course for those just waking up inside a civilization on a crash course.

O. Revilla

Very enlightening book

Reviewed in Mexico on January 5, 2018

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I like this book, the art of the argument it will be my companion from this very day, thanks Stefan Molyneux.

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