The Practice of Argumentation
Effective Reasoning in Communication

Explores how we justify our beliefs - and try to influence those of others - both soundly and effectively.

David Zarefsky (Author)

9781107681439, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 September 2019

282 pages, 25 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.42 kg

'… Zarefsky (Northwestern Univ.) provides yet another thoroughly researched, well-written work on argumentation and persuasion … While reading through these chapters, readers are likely to feel as if they are being intellectually fed by a master teacher. One can find many well-written textbooks and secondary studies on this topic … What sets Zarefsky's book apart from other texts is his infusion of nuanced ideas, such as preemptive moves and intensity. Exercises at the end of each chapter are well suited for classroom discussions … The well-developed index will be a valuable resource.' K. L. Majocha, Choice

This book uses different perspectives on argumentation to show how we create arguments, test them, attack and defend them, and deploy them effectively to justify beliefs and influence others. David Zarefsky uses a range of contemporary examples to show how arguments work and how they can be put together, beginning with simple individual arguments, and proceeding to the construction and analysis of complex cases incorporating different structures. Special attention is given to evaluating evidence and reasoning, the building blocks of argumentation. Zarefsky provides clear guidelines and tests for different kinds of arguments, as well as exercises that show student readers how to apply theories to arguments in everyday and public life. His comprehensive and integrated approach toward argumentation theory and practice will help readers to become more adept at critically examining everyday arguments as well as constructing arguments that will convince others.

Preface
1. The argumentative perspective
2. What arguments look like
3. The emergence of controversy
4. Evidence in argumentation
5. Argument schemes
6. Fallacies
7. Case construction
8. Attack and defense
9. Language, style, and presentation
10. Where and why we argue
Appendix: learning argumentation through debate.

Subject Areas: Philosophy: logic [HPL]