A Rulebook for Arguments (Hackett Student Handbooks)

A Rulebook For Arguments by Anthony Weston is a veritable entry-level book for those seeking information on how to employ critical thinking.The book is quite short, but the value of the information this book provides more than makes up for the size considering the quality of information.For those seeking a practical rulebook on the applications of logic, argumentation, fallacies and more, this book gives an easy to follow but robust approach.Given the breath of the information, page for page, this book is a high-value item, especially considering it also offers a synopsis on some of the more common fallacies employed by people.Some additional of the elements discussed in the book are generalizations, sources, deductive arguments, oral arguments, argumentative essays, arguments by analogy, and more.The other benefit is that this book can be read by people of all ages, and it will aid them immensely. From adults, to young children, this book would fine-tune anyone’s repertoire.To finalize, as a book to keep in hand to quickly reference this book will be crucial given the latitude that it offers individuals willing to apply its rules.Kindest Regards,Zy MarquiezTheBreakAway.wordpress.com

What's impressive is that the author delivers a lot of very good, practical advice, in a logical order, in so few pages. Many text books would take a few hundred pages and be less clear.I'll give you one example: many books discuss the "non sequitur" fallacy and give an example where the "non sequitur" is wildly off point. Weston uses a much more realistic and useful example where the non sequitur is quite subtle because it has lots of facts about the topic -- but does NOT speak to the point it pretends to support.If you want to learn more about this subject -- or ANY subject -- you should read other books, too. But with this book alone, if you refer to it as you write, you, as a student or an adult, can learn to think more clearly and to write more clearly.I ordered a copy for each of my children. It's a book they'll use in middle school, high school and college.

I bought this because I wanted a concise quick reference book for argumentation. My job deals primarily with Administrative Law and I write to aribitrators and judges on a daily basis. This book has been exceptional in helping to develop my Agency's position before a third party. The key to any good position paper or case narrative is brevity in framing the argument. This book is a daily reference for logically setting up my arguments in easy to digest sentences.The book is written in short chapters that give examples of properly framing an argument or position. Although written primarily for an academic setting (term papers, dissertations, etc.) it has tremendous cross occupational applications. The book is written to the layman and clearly defines academic terminology commonly used in academia. It is short enough to be read in a couple of hours and arranged in a easy to follow format with each chapter building upon the previous. The chapter on fallacious arguments is superb in that it allows the user to avoid common pitfalls that could potentially overturn the most well reasoned arugument.Ironically, the only downside to the book comes from what makes it so great, it's conciseness. A book of this type cannot possibly be expected to contain every detail and minutia of argumentation. There have been times, when I've been left needing more. But for everyday reference this is the best book on the subject I've found yet. It's small enough to not take up too much space in my small office, yet good enough to help me in developing my argument.

A Rulebook for Arguments should be required reading as it presents a definitive outline of the basis for reason.As a centerpiece of what separates humans from animals, the ability to reason represents a critical element in all human endeavors. Illogical reasoning is regrettably everywhere we look; advertisements, politics, religion, business, and even ordinary personal justifications. As a result, improving the ability to reason properly is of vital importance to the individual intellect.Weston presents a concise overview of the critical aspects of logical reasoning. The subjects covered are designed to strengthen argumentative writing, help avoid common fallacies, and promote the organization of sound conclusions that hold up under any level of scrutiny.The knowledge base of logic and formation of arguments presented in this book represents a path to improved reasoning abilities and therefore should be essential reading. As an added benefit, the book is brief and the writing is coherent from start to finish, making it an effortless read and one I highly recommend to all.

This book has served its intended purpose perfectly! Without lengthy explanation, it gives a concise yet clear enough summary of the basic rules of arguments so that you can use it as a handy reminder. Even if you are a fresh starter, I would still recommend it, because it's easy to read. You may decide later if you're still interested in reading more extensive and serious literature, but when finishing this book, you already have a good idea.

I have used this book as a resource for graduate students on how to construct a logical argument and make a clear point. It's easy to use, well-organized, and very helpful. The suggestions in each section are numbered, and it doesn't feel like a long text on writing, which no one has time for anymore. I continue to recommend it.

It's OK but 'A Workbook for Arguments' is awesome.