Buy new:

$14.42

List Price: $16.95 Details

Save: $2.53 (15%)

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime & FREE Returns

FREE delivery: Wednesday, Aug 25 on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon. Details

Fastest delivery: Tuesday, Aug 24
Order within 8 hrs and 27 mins Details

In Stock.

$$14.42 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Secure transaction

Ships from	Amazon.com
Sold by	Amazon.com

Details

Ships from

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Return policy: Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement

Add a gift receipt for easy returns

Share <Embed>

Other Sellers on Amazon

$14.74
& FREE Shipping

Sold by: Book Depository US

$14.89
& FREE Shipping

Sold by: BOOKS etc. _

$10.94
+ $3.99 shipping

Sold by: Blackwell's U.K. *dispatched from UK*

Flip to back Flip to front

Listen Playing... Paused You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition.
Learn more

See this image

Follow the Author

Ben Burgis

Give Them an Argument: Logic for the Left Paperback – May 31, 2019

by Ben Burgis (Author)

268 ratings

See all formats and editions

Price

New from

Used from

Kindle

"Please retry"

$10.99

—

Paperback

"Please retry"

$14.42

$10.94

$9.99

'Ben Burgis understands that in order to persuade people to join a political movement, you have to master the techniques of rigorous argumentation. He masterfully exposes the cheap sophistry of right-wing 'philosophy' and shows why there's still a place for logic and reason in political discourse. This is a crucial handbook for those who want to 'crush' and 'destroy' the Ben Shapiros of the world.' Nathan Robinson, Editor, Current Affairs

Many serious leftists have learned to distrust talk of logic and logical fallacies, associated with right-wing "logicbros". This is a serious mistake. Unlike the neoliberal technocrats, who can point to social problems and tell people "trust us", the serious Left must learn how to argue and persuade. In Give Them an Argument, Ben Burgis arms his reader with the essential knowledge of formal logic and informal fallacies.

Print length

128 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Zero Books
Publication date

May 31, 2019
Dimensions

5.5 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

1789042100
ISBN-13

978-1789042108
See all details

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

Richard D. Wolff
325
Paperback
16 offers from $17.95
Nick Land
130
Paperback
28 offers from $18.50
Dr. Michel Luc Bellemare Ph.d.
92
Paperback
12 offers from $17.33
Edward S. Herman
1,570
Paperback
71 offers from $7.37
Richard D. Wolff
360
Paperback
81 offers from $4.66
Siu-Fan Lee
322
Paperback
44 offers from $9.96

Customers who bought this item also bought

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

Michael Brooks
888
Paperback
42 offers from $5.98
Ben Burgis
66
Paperback
30 offers from $11.05
Mark Fisher
1,244
Paperback
52 offers from $7.99
Adolph Reed Jr.
66
Paperback
35 offers from $13.00
Bhaskar Sunkara
358
Paperback
36 offers from $8.72
Richard D. Wolff
360
Paperback
81 offers from $4.66

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ben Burgis has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Miami. He is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared in publications such as Tor.com and in Prime Books. Burgis now teaches at Rutgers University, New Jersey.

Start reading Give Them an Argument: Logic for the Left on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zero Books (May 31, 2019)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1789042100
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1789042108
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.7 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #288,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #180 in Philosophy Criticism (Books)
- #192 in Media & Internet in Politics (Books)
- #206 in Political Advocacy Books

Customer Reviews:
268 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		75%
4 star		12%
3 star		8%
2 star		2%
1 star		2%

How are ratings calculated?

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

JJ

Like most things said by the left -- incomplete, assumptive, and self-deceptive

Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2019

Verified Purchase

I taught logic at the university level and this book provides a tendentious and mediocre treatment of logic; it is also highly overpriced for what is essentially a pamphlet.

70 people found this helpful

Helpful

Ryan L

A much needed antidote to peddlers of bad logic

Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2019

Verified Purchase

This is a wonderful book - clear, accessible, and lucid - and it performs an important and much needed service. There's a widespread impression now that "logic" is only to be found among conservative figures like Ben Shapiro and Stefan Molyneux. And for many on the left, this impression has given logic itself a bad name. Burgis' book is an antidote to the sophistry and confusion displayed by many of these right figures, and a clear and accessible guide for those on the left (and for anyone else!) on how to apply actual, rigorous logic and critical thinking techniques to important debates. Highly recommended!

39 people found this helpful

Helpful

Dirt: Son of Earth

A refreshing message and entertaining read.

Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2019

Verified Purchase

Give them an argument is a must read if you have any online discussions involving politics, current events, and especially if you watch commentary on youtube. Ben Burgis teaches logic for a living alongside being a longtime socialist and recent podcast guest extraordinaire. In GTA Ben tackles logic and politics in a couple different ways.

Using the popular and alt media from both the right and the left Ben sets about to teach us reasoning skills. We are given a brief survey of modern right wing commentary and the misappropriation of logic, alongside a sometimes tongue in cheek leftist regection of logic. While explaining and countering various popular right wing arguments we get real life examples and in depth explanations of various logical fallacies (ad hoc, post hoc ergo proper hoc, begging the question, ect) and an argument for why this is important, why reason matters.

While the book is very entertaining, offering humor and humility alongside analysis- It has a lot more to offer than just a list of fallacies to be repeated during online arguments. Some of the most interesting bits include a dissection of the libertarian concept of the "non aggression principle" or NAP. Here we get into more philosophical ideas such as degrees of autonomy, what constitutes legitimate property, positive and negative liberty, and political and social values. Incorporating libertarian heavyweights such as Nozak, Rand and Rothbard, Burgis offers some of the most compelling critiques of the heart of libertarian philosophy.

We are also treated to an interesting analysis of the american socialist movement through the lens of Trotsky's understanding of logic and the Hegelian dialectic, some analysis of corporate democrats, technocrats, and clintonites, a personal anecdote from going to highschool with nate silver, and even a 12 rules for reasoning ala IDW style.

The most important part of the book though is the constant message Ben Burgis is stringing throughout the book. The Aim of rationality is not to tear your oponite apart, it is to seek truth. Ben urges us to engage our higher faculties, slow the hell down and actually do the hard work of thinking.

31 people found this helpful

Helpful

J. M. Magrini

So much more than a book on “logical argumentation” for the Left…

Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2019

Verified Purchase

Other reviewers on this site have offered solid and thorough reviews of the overall content of Burgis’ book; some reviewers move chronologically, offering a helpful and informative chapter-by-chapter summary. These reviews are valuable and readers are encouraged to search them out. In this review, however, my principle of focus is the issue of authentic discourse, specifically, how the notion of rigorous discourse that Burgis develops - driven by logical and rational argumentation - stands apart from eristic, forensic debate, and rhetoric, i.e., dialogic practices seeking only to deny or negate, score victories, and persuade through various emotional appeals.

Nathan Robinson’s editorial review (back of book) lauds Burgis’ important contribution to political discourse; in truth, Robinson mischaracterizes this contribution, for according to Robinson, the book arms readers with the logical tools and techniques to “crush and destroy the Ben Shapiro’s of the world.” This is a radically disingenuous assessment of what the book ultimately has to say about and contribute to the reinvigoration of our current impoverished political discourse, and beyond, communicative or philosophical discourse.

Throughout the book, Burgis states emphatically that he is opposed to the type of “gotcha-argumentation” common to hard right-wingers who seek only to “talk about logic as a sort of mental weapon [to] use to defeat and humiliate ‘libtards’” (5). That is to say, the type of eristic argumentation consistent with much of the IDW; arguments constructed with the sole purpose of “crushing” and “destroying” opponents. In opposition, Burgis demonstrates a far more noble and Socratic concern, as it were, i.e., the philosophical-and-ethical concern for authentically and critically engaging others as “interlocutors” in the ever-renewed search for common and well-founded “truths” within a context of discourse where logical, rational consensus wins the day. We should view “the process of logical argumentation,” as Burgis rightly contends, in terms of a “collective search for truth rather than an attempt to reduce opponents to quivering piles of urine and soiled garments” (3).

Yes, this excellent little book offers “logic for the left,” but more appropriately, as intimated above, it is a solid and invaluable guide for the understanding and practice of rational-logical argumentation for all readers. So, it is something of a unique “critical thinking” text that embraces the inseparability of theory-and-praxis, and as opposed to the majority of academic logic and critical theory texts, which proximally and for the most part are written in the abstract, Burgis frames his expositions of deduction, induction, and abduction - and the type of fallacies associated with each of these forms of reasoning - in such ways that they “live” through both historical analyses and historical persons, e.g., Rand and Trotsky.

Thus, the value of Logic for the Left is far beyond merely providing instruction for identifying why certain arguments are deemed “valid” or “invalid” in form or “sound” or “unsound” in their conclusions. It is also important to note that Burgis speaks in some detail regarding the “fact-value” distinction most famously introduced by Hume - and later modified by Moore (naturalistic fallacy) - which assists readers in understanding and marking out the crucial (often overlooked) difference between the type of “truth” related to propositions and the type of “ethical/aesthetic” understanding associated with “normative” statements and interpretive discourse.

Importantly, Burgis contends that neither the book nor the practice of rational argumentation requires or advocates “a plea for civility,” and, I add, despite the common liberal perception of democratic discourse, it is not an egalitarian exercise in tolerance. This indicates that while there is an undeniable sense of “equality” bound up with authentic discourse, there is also, immanent within and by nature of the rigorous process itself (when carried out as a renewed process of dialogue), the emergence and presence of both inequality and intolerance. Let me explain: All are equally welcomed to contribute to the debate, but following the logical tenets for critical reasoning found in Burgis’ book, those positions that are rigorously argued and validated are epistemologically superior - and so “unequal”- to inferior, fallacious positions, which demand reassessment, reinterpretation, or, in the extreme, rejection. In addition, when committed to the practice of rational argumentation, an attitude of “intolerance” must be adopted toward those who steadfastly refuse to rethink things, those who dogmatically cling to positions despite the fact that they have been shown to be illogical, inconsistent, or contradictory – in essence, untenable.

When seeking to carefully formulate claims that are substantiated by compelling evidence, demonstrating logical consistency and avoiding fallacious forms of reasoning, the positive potential exists for logic and reason to inspire us to legitimately re-conceptualize the views we hold, contributing to both our personal betterment and that of the society. For indeed, as Burgis recognizes: “People do change their minds all the time, and arguments can and do play a role in this process, sometimes because they gradually gnaw at the back of your mind and sometimes because after enough time has passed that your ego isn’t bound up on some previously held position, you just realize to your own surprise that you now accept the contrary position for the very reasons that you dismissed when you first heard them” (20).

Burgis is admittedly a “socialist” and so he calls for a “collective” re-education ultimately grounded in “self-education,” but again, as stated above, what he writes about logical reasoning and the importance of authentic argumentation is transcendent and timeless - it’s as old as the “Greek hills.” This is because his view and practice of authentic rational discourse is required for the facilitation of all future forms and manifestations of democratic social-political reform, and this process as he describes is arduous, precarious, uncertain, and even dangerous, for it certainly necessitates what we might call the political right of parrhesia, that is to say, the type of argumentation Burgis advocates that is required for radical social change occurs only within encounters where truth and the reigning structures of power are challenged and called into question. Burgis expresses these sentiments when contending that authentic discourse always involves, “multitudes of people engaging each other to discuss and debate different plans of action, different schemes of social organization, different solutions to a thousand problems that can’t even be predicted” (88).

I believe this book will appeal to a wide range of readers. Those intimately familiar with the systematic, philosophical understanding of logic and reason will appreciate it. Those who might be unfamiliar with the more technical aspects of this subject will also benefit from the book’s content. For much like all talented scholars, Burgis nicely distills and communicates the essence of complex material through an accessible style in a digestible format. As the fall term approaches, I will most definitely recommend Burgis’ accessible and important book to my Western philosophy and ethics students; I know they will benefit from it greatly.

Per cover art: I reveled in the image of Hume silencing Shapiro!

18 people found this helpful

Helpful

Alex

Changed My Opinion of Logic

Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2019

Verified Purchase

Coming from a background with no experience studying logic, I too had my opinion of it tainted by the "destroyed with facts and reason" videos prevalent on Right-Wing YouTube. Reading Dr. Burgis's short book changed my mind. The principles presented in his book has helped me pinpoint why some arguments are good and others are bad. Dr. Burgis presents logic as a tool (as opposed to a method of "destruction"). It's not perfect, but it can give some good insight when we organize our thoughts. If you are skeptical of logic like I was, give this book a read.

14 people found this helpful

Helpful

Cory A. Schwartz

Short, not very technical. A little snarky. Fun read.

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2019

Verified Purchase

In case it's not known to a would-be reader, this book does not provide a compelling reason why the socialism is correct. It assumes the reader is prone to socialism and argues that the reader should learn some symbolic logic to combat right wing internet trolls.

11 people found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer

Intriguing and insightful

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2019

Verified Purchase

I think it's a shame that there are not more books like Burgis' 'Give Them an Argument'. I myself disagree with him on a number of fundamental values, but that is no barrier to accessing some of the great points that this book makes. Burgis' examination of the more common fallacies emitted by some of the prominent members of the right, the leaders of the 'logic bros', remains extremely amusing - regardless of whether your opinions are in alignment with his or not. The book is short, but written in a manner that is far more comprehensible than similar, yet more pretentious, works and draws from some of Burgis' academic experience. In the current global political climate, I'd like to see this book read more in the UK and wherever else it may be relevant.

4 people found this helpful

Ewan Campbell

Sound reasoning for debating.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2020

Verified Purchase

Having just finished Burgis’ “Give them an argument” I came away feeling slightly more prepared to rethink certain positions I hold politically (whether they be fiscal or just moral points) and ensure that any “logic” that I have used in the past holds up or could be improved.

The book certainly felt a bit laborious to get through when you get into the meat of the science behind logical fallacies, but the real points Burgis was making I felt were clear and concise. Some of the traps he pointed out that were all too common to fall into in arguments I have found myself guilty of and now know how to better defend against in the future.

Definitely a good read and would recommend, purely because of how short it is. It doesn’t take much time to get through, so even if you don’t feel like it was your cup of tea you won’t feel as if your time has been stolen!

Mr. Patrick D. Creamer

Great book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2019

Verified Purchase

Great book. Definitely recommend. Burgis explains logic and reasoning very clearly and uses lively examples from current affairs. As well as.highly intelligent, the writing style is witty and entertaining.

3 people found this helpful

TOM SOWERBUTTS

You need this book .

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2020

Verified Purchase

Anyone needing to pursue a point should buy this . Well written .

D. Hawthorne

Good Attempt at Constructing Arguments

Reviewed in Australia on November 5, 2019

Verified Purchase

Even though this book is directed at leftists (whoever they may be), the material covered would be useful for everybody. I think the book could be improved by devoting a chapter to in-depth analysis of a longer argument.

I have done university level courses in logic (through Cousera and EDX), and I agree with Prof. Burgis that the examples given are artificial and not applicable to the real world. Prof Burgis applies his analysis to real-world examples.

The material is presented in an accessible format. And the snippets of arguments given were analysed in detail. This certainly aided my comprehension of the material.

The part on symbolic logic would probably lose most of the general readership. Even though I knew where the author was going from my previous courses, he lost me at times.

My reason for suggesting a separate chapter on analysing a longer argument is that most real world ones encompass several methods and strategies. It would be good to see how these different approaches can be woven into a coherent whole.

Buy new:

$14.42

Other Sellers on Amazon

Follow the Author

Similar authors to follow

Give Them an Argument: Logic for the Left Paperback – May 31, 2019

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Customers who bought this item also bought

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Product details

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?

Buy new: $14.42

Other Sellers on Amazon

Follow the Author

Similar authors to follow

Give Them an Argument: Logic for the Left Paperback – May 31, 2019

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Customers who bought this item also bought

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Product details

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?

Buy new:

$14.42