Monday, March 8, 2021

Oxford Guide to Effective Argument & Critical Thinking (Colin Swatridge)


In this book, the author presents concepts related to argument and critical thinking, using plenty of "'real-life' arguments by notable people from across history that illustrate essential points." He discusses the basics, to include what it means to argue, making yourself clear, looking at related arguments made by others, supporting your case, certainty and plausability, matters of belief, poor arguing practices (overstatement, ad hominem attacks, etc.), consistency, and laying out your case.

A book on effective argument and critical thinking that's poorly structured and formatted? I alternated between amusement and irritation at the irony. There are nuggets of good information here, but the presentation is confusing, layout bizarre, font small, and color off (is it grayscale? green? I couldn't tell). Reorganized, this might be worthwhile. As it is, avoid. I spot-read 20% before giving up.

Rating: C-

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