The Skills of Argument

The Skills of Argument
Author: Deanna Kuhn
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 340
Release: 1991-07-26
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9780521423496

The Skills of Argument presents a comprehensive empirical study of informal reasoning as argument, involving subjects across the life span. Subjects ranging in age from adolescence to late adulthood were asked to describe their views on social problems that people have occasion to think and talk about in everyday life, such as crime and unemployment. In addition to providing supporting evidence for their theories, subjects were asked to contemplate alternative theories and counterarguments and to evaluate new evidence on the topics. This is the first major study of informal reasoning across the life span. Highlighting the importance of argumentive reasoning in everyday thought, the book offers a theoretical framework for conceptualizing and studying thinking as argument. The findings address issues of major importance to cognitive and developmental psychologists, as well as educators concerned with improving the quality of people's thinking. The work is also relevant to philosophers, political scientists, and linguists interested in informal reasoning and argumentive discourse.

The Skills of Argument

The Skills of Argument
Author: Deanna Kuhn
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 334
Release: 1991-07-26
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 9780521404518

The Skills of Argument presents a comprehensive, empirical study of informal reasoning as argument, involving subjects across the life span. Professor Kuhn asked her subjects questions that people have occasion to think and talk about in everyday life, such as "What causes prisoners to return to crime after they are released?" "What causes unemployment?" "What causes children to fail in school?" Subjects were asked to offer their own theories regarding the cause of the phenomenon and then asked to provide supporting evidence for their theories. This is the first major study of how people reason in everyday life, and it highlights the importance of argumentative reasoning in everyday thought. Professor Kuhn's findings address crucial issues in cognitive and developmental psychology, as well as in education, and her work will also appeal to philosophers, political scientists, and linguists interested in argumentative discourse.

Argue with Me

Argue with Me
Author: Deanna Kuhn
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 214
Release: 2017-09-19
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1317434153

It is essential that middle- and high-school students develop argument skills. This rich resource provides a clear, step-by-step approach that achieves this goal. The method is rooted in peer dialog and makes use of readily available technology. The authors document impressive gains in students’ skills in producing and interpreting both dialogic and written arguments. The method can be used in English or content-area classes, or even be implemented as a stand-alone class or as part of a debate program. This curriculum helps students become critical thinkers prepared for the demands of college, careers, and citizenship. Book Features: Background on why students should develop argument skills and what these skills consist of The nuts and bolts of how to implement the curriculum in your own classroom Alignments to the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards Accessible video material showing both teacher’s instructions and students’ activities Samples of students’ written work Assessment tools that you can use or modify to fit your own needs An appendix with additional guides, examples, suggested topics, and classroom-ready reproducibles. New to the second edition is a chapter on how you can incorporate this approach into an existing curriculum if you are unable to implement the full program.The techniques are designed to be flexible and adaptable, and work with students of all ability levels—especially with those who are less motivated and engaged in school. This enhanced edition is also accompanied by free bonus eResources, such as suggested readings on different topics and full lesson plans, which you can download and print from our website, www.routledge.com/9781138911406.

What Is the Argument?

What Is the Argument?
Author: Maralee Harrell
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 479
Release: 2016-10-21
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0262529270

Exploring philosophy through detailed argument analyses of texts by philosophers from Plato to Strawson using a novel and transparent method of analysis. The best way to introduce students to philosophy and philosophical discourse is to have them read and wrestle with original sources. This textbook explores philosophy through detailed argument analyses of texts by philosophers from Plato to Strawson. It presents a novel and transparent method of analysis that will teach students not only how to understand and evaluate philosophers' arguments but also how to construct such arguments themselves. Students will learn to read a text and discover what the philosopher thinks, why the philosopher thinks it, and whether the supporting argument is good. Students learn argument analysis through argument diagrams, with color-coding of the argument's various elements—conclusion, claims, and “indicator phrases.” (An online “mini-course” in argument diagramming and argument diagramming software are both freely available online.) Each chapter ends with exercises and reading questions. After a general introduction to philosophy and logic and an explanation of argument analysis, the book presents selections from primary sources, arranged by topics that correspond to contemporary debates, with detailed analysis and evaluation. These topics include philosophy of religion, epistemology, theory of mind, free will and determinism, and ethics; authors include Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Ryle, Fodor, Dennett, Searle, and others. What Is the Argument? not only introduces students to great philosophical thinkers, it also teaches them the essential skill of critical thinking.

How to Win Every Argument

How to Win Every Argument
Author: Madsen Pirie
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2015-03-12
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 147252697X

In the second edition of this witty and infectious book, Madsen Pirie builds upon his guide to using - and indeed abusing - logic in order to win arguments. By including new chapters on how to win arguments in writing, in the pub, with a friend, on Facebook and in 140 characters (on Twitter), Pirie provides the complete guide to triumphing in altercations ranging from the everyday to the downright serious. He identifies with devastating examples all the most common fallacies popularly used in argument. We all like to think of ourselves as clear-headed and logical - but all readers will find in this book fallacies of which they themselves are guilty. The author shows you how to simultaneously strengthen your own thinking and identify the weaknesses in other people arguments. And, more mischievously, Pirie also shows how to be deliberately illogical - and get away with it. This book will make you maddeningly smart: your family, friends and opponents will all wish that you had never read it. Publisher's warning: In the wrong hands this book is dangerous. We recommend that you arm yourself with it whilst keeping out of the hands of others. Only buy this book as a gift if you are sure that you can trust the recipient.

Argument and Evidence

Argument and Evidence
Author: Peter J. Phelan
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2002-01-22
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1134824009

Phelan and Reynolds' book is for anyone who needs to evaluate arguments and interpret evidence. It deals with the most fundamental aspects of academic study: * the ability to reason with ideas and evidence * to formulate arguments effectively * to appreciate the interplay between ideas and evidence in academic and media debate Argument and Evidence presents aspects of informal logic and statistical theory in a comprehensible way, enabling students to acquire skills in critical thinking which will outlast their undergraduate studies. Ideal as a companion for courses on methodology or study skills, Argument and Evidence will also be useful for other disciplines in the social sciences and humanities.

The Argument Builder

The Argument Builder
Author: Shelly Johnson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2008-05
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9781600510267

The argument builder will train you to build compelling and persuasive arguments, through a blend of logic and rhetoric. You will first study the logical structure of good, clear arguments. Then, you will study how to use the various elements of argumentation, such as examples, analogy, comparison, testimony, and statistics, combining them to construct your own sound and effective arguments. You will also learn about the fallacies often committed when using these elements and how to avoid them in your own arguments.

Critical Thinking Skills

Critical Thinking Skills
Author: Stella Cottrell
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Total Pages: 296
Release: 2011-05-15
Genre: Study Aids
ISBN: 9780230285293

The second edition of this leading guide helps students to develop reflective thinking skills, improve their critical analysis and construct arguments more effectively.Written byStella Cottrell, leader in the field with over 1/2 million book sales to date, this text breaks down a complex subject into easily understood blocks, providing easy-to-follow, step-by-step explanations and practiceactivities to develop understanding and practise your skillsat each stage.Essential for students who are mystified by tutor comments such as 'more critical analysis needed', this is an invaluable tool for anyone wishing to develop advanced skills in this area and learn to apply them to tasks such as reading, writing and note-taking. Now in two-colour, this edition has been fully revised and contains a brand new chapter on 'Critical Reflection' along with additional material on essays and referencing.

The Anatomy of Argument

The Anatomy of Argument
Author: Barrie A. Wilson
Publisher: Lanham, Md. : University Press of America
Total Pages: 464
Release: 1980
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

A comprehensive introduction to the study of argument which presents theory and develops skills in argument identification, evaluation, preparation, and presentation. Argument evaluation is presented systematically as a series of ten steps. A useful feature is the complimentary Instructor's Manual which includes camera-ready pages for preparing overhead acetates of solutions to exercises in the text. The manual should be ordered directly from Professor Barrie A. Wilson, Atkinson College, York University, 4700 Keele Street, North York, Ontario, Canada M3J 2R7.

How to Win an Argument

How to Win an Argument
Author: Michael A. Gilbert
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
Total Pages: 101
Release: 1996-01-12
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 162045906X

Proven techniques for getting your point across and winning arguments If you've ever felt the frustration of losing an argument--even when you knew you were right--to someone more skilled in pressing their point (and your hot buttons), this book is for you. This practical, often amusing guide gives you the tools you need to make your point clearly in any disagreement, from a formal debate to a roaring shouting match. You'll find: Strategies for identifying--and avoiding--the common traps your opponents may set for you Sample arguments spotlighting current issues with notes that analyze both weak and strong techniques Interactive quizzes that help reinforce your new skills and build confidence "Insightful, instructive, and enjoyable to read." --Publishers Weekly