Critical Reasoning A Practical Introduction

We all engage in the process of reasoning, but we don't always pay attention to whether we are doing it well. This book offers the opportunity to practise reasoning in a clear-headed and critical way, with the aims of developing an awareness of the importance of reasoning well and of improving the reader's skill in analyzing and evaluating arguments. In this third edition, Anne Thomson has updated and revised the book to include fresh and topical examples which will guide students through the processes of critical reasoning in a clear and engaging way. In addition, two new chapters on evaluating the credibility of evidence and decision making and dilemmas will fully equip students to reason well. By the end of the book students should be able to: identify flaws in arguments analyze the reasoning in newspaper articles, books and speeches assess the credibilty of evidence and authorities make sound decisionsand solve dilemmas approach any topic with the ability to reason and think critically.

Introduction 1. Analysing Reasoning 2. Evaluating Reasoning 3.Recognising Implications 4. Evaluating Evidence and Authorities5. Two Skills in the Use of Language 6.Exercising the Skills of Reasoning 7. Constructing Reasoning. Answers to Exercises. Bibliography and Further Reading. Index

Anne Thomsonwas formerlyHonorary Lecturer and Fellow of the School of Economic and Social Studies at the University of East Anglia. She works for examination boards in the UK on tests of Critical Thinking, andis author of Critical Reasoning in Ethics (Routledge 1999).