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Arguing, Reasoning, and Thinking Well

Why Study Argument?“Kiddie” Arguments Arguing as a Developmental Process The Importance of Context and Culture Adult Arguers Aims and Goals of This Book Why Learn About Argumentation?Argumentative Overtures Summary Notes References Arguing Ethically The Meltdown Argument Is Not a Dirty Word Arguing (In)Competently: Traits and Behaviors of Effective and Ineffective Arguers Goals: Winning Isn’t the Only Thing Final Thoughts: You’ve Got the Power Summary References Argument Theories, Models, and Definitions Conceptualizing Argument: What Is an Argument Anyway?Theories and Models of Argument Strengths and Limitations of the Toulmin Model Summary Notes References The Nature of Critical Thinking Dumb and Dumberer Ignorance Versus Stupidity: No Duh!What Is and Isn’t Critical Thinking?Conceptualizing Critical Thinking From Tweeters to Twits? Is Technology Making Us Stupid?Technology May Be Making Us Smarter Summary References Building Blocks of Argument Don’t Build Your Arguments Out of Straw Claim Spotting: What’s Your Point?Types of Claims: Different Claims for Different Aims Confusing Claims Proof: The Grounds for Arguments Have You Got a Warrant?All-Purpose Warrants Summary Answers to Types of Claims from Box 5.1 References Evidence and Proof Where’s Your Proof?Prove It to Me Field Dependent and Field Invariant Proof Tests of Evidence Statistical Proof Summary Notes References Informal Reasoning Ordinary, Everyday Reasoning Inductive Reasoning Defined: Take a Leap Causal Reasoning: But Why?Reasoning by Analogy: Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates Sign Reasoning: If It Walks Like a Duck, and Talks Like a Duck . . .Generalization: White Men Can’t Jump Example: Gimme a For Instance Summary Notes References Fallacies in Reasoning, Part 1: The “Big Five”When Good Arguments Go Bad Friends or Foes? A Pragmatic Approach to Fallacies The Usual Suspects: The Big Five Summary Notes References Fallacies in Reasoning, Part 2 Iffy Assumptions: Fallacies Involving Questionable Premises Diversionary Tactics: Verbal Sleight of Hand Appeals to Emotion: You’re Not Using Your Head Fallacies of Presumption: Shifting the Burden of Proof Fallacies Involving Ambiguity: It’s Not Cheating if You Don’t Remember Summary Notes References Further Reading on Fallacies in Reasoning Judgment, Decision Making, and Problem Solving A Curious Rule of Thumb (. . . and Fingers)Multiple Choices Rational Models of Decision Making: Tapping into Your Inner Math Geek Heuristics and Biases: Decision-Making Snags A Procedural Approach to Problem Solving and Decision Making: Baby Steps Decision Making in Groups: Are Two (or More) Heads Better Than One?Summary Notes References Deductive Reasoning Deductive Versus Inductive Reasoning: A Whole Different Animal What Is Formal Logic?Are People Naturally Logical?Cognitive Fitness: Don Your Thinking Cap Deduction in Everyday Life: It’s What the Cool Kids Are Doing Deduction in Specific Fields and Contexts: Putting Logic to Work Validity and Invalidity Syllogistic Reasoning: It’s Only Logical Summary Notes References Effective Advocacy and Refutation Sorry to Burden You: Argumentative Obligations and Responsibilities Prima Facie Case: The Opening Salvo Burden of Rebuttal: Get Ready to Rumble Arguing about Arguing Case Building: On Solid Ground Invention: Discovering the Issues Stock Issues: Touching All the Bases Value Claims: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Factual Claims: Just the Facts, Ma’am Definitional Claims: War of Words Summary and Conclusion References Appendix: Sample Debate Formats for In-Class Debates Simple Pro–Con Format (For Many Speakers)Oxford Style (Four-Person) Debate Lincoln–Douglas (One-on-One) Debate Author Index Subject Index

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