The Pursuit of Probable Truth: A Primer on Argument
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2020
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2020
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The Pursuit of Probable Truth: A Primer on Argument is a concise, practical guide for learning to argue effectively. Designed as a primer for students in a beginning argumentation course, it rests on the assumption that skill in argument is best developed through practice. The book brief to provide the basics necessary to get started arguing well.
- The basic nature and purposes of argument
- The key ideas that guide successful argument
- The primary contexts in which argument occurs and the formats for arguing in those contexts
- How to construct rationally sound cases to support claims
- How to present arguments orally
- How to attack and defend arguments in debates
Foreword
Chapter 1 Argument: What Is It? When Is It Effective? Why Is It Important?
Chapter 2 Roots: The Sources of Argumentation Theory
Chapter 3 How Argument Works: Toulmin’s Descriptive Model
Chapter 4 How Argument Should Work: Classical Concepts and Terms
Chapter 5 Supporting Claims of Fact and Value
Chapter 6 Informal Fallacies: Pitfalls in Reasoning about Fact and Value Claims
Chapter 7 Making the Case for Policy Proposals
Chapter 8 Framing What We Argue About: The Logic, Emotions, and Context of Arguments
Chapter 9 Presenting Arguments
Chapter 10 Debate: Attacking and Defending Arguments
Afterword
Appendix A Presentation Outline Format
Appendix B Debate Brief Formats
Appendix C Sample Debate Briefs
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