Argumentation: Understanding and Shaping Arguments

Highly acclaimed by professors and students, this textbook explores the concepts and principles of clear thinking, critical listening, and careful analysis that active citizens and professionals need to evaluate and make arguments effectively. Its emphasis on real-life argument highlights the role of argument in democratic discourse, as well as in students' social, professional, and personal lives. Drawing on classical and contemporary theory and principles, Dr. Herrick explores the structure of arguments; relationships between reasons and conclusions; the criteria of evidence, validity, and definitional clarity; common types of arguments and fallacies; and issues of adapting arguments to audiences. The new edition reflects current theory and issues, including narratives and visuals in argument, as well as multiple Internet uses and functions. Stronger, more accessible explanations of the Toulmin model and other analytical methods make them even more useful and engaging to students. Throughout the book, examples have been carefully updated to reflect current events and public concerns.