The word "argument" has a negative connotation. Yet Anthony Weston says that "arguments are efforts to support certain views with reasons," making them essential. But arguing well takes time and practice- it's an acquired skill. Hence, A Rulebook for Arguments, which lays out 50 rules for arguments broken down into:
- six chapters on short arguments (general rules, arguments by example, arguments by analogy, arguments from authority, arguments about causes, deductive arguments)
- four chapters on applying those 'short-argument' principles to common situations (extended arguments, argumentative essays, oral arguments, public debates)
- two appendices on common fallacies and definitions
This 100-page book has the essentials and little else. I love things like this. It's systematic, succinct, and clear. It is to arguments what The Elements of Style is to writing. Recommended.
Rating: A
No comments:
Post a Comment