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28th out of 62 books
—
34 voters
How to Become a Really Good Pain in the Ass: A Critical Thinker's Guide to Asking the Right Questions
What can I know? What am I? Why am I here? How should I behave? What is to come of me? The way you answer these questions will tell you a lot about yourself. And if you ask others these questions, their answers will tell you a good deal about them, how they think, and what they value. Of course, if you persist in asking these questions, others may think you’ve become a rea...more
Paperback, 398 pages
Published
July 26th 2011
by Prometheus Books
(first published January 1st 2007)
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Probably more like a 3.5 stars rating would be appropriate. Sort of a textbook on critical thinking and skeptical thinking as a PROCESS, rather than how it is more often viewed in the world at large as "not believing in anything." Definitely worth reading. It made me wonder/marvel at the fact that kids in school are not taught the tools of rational, logical thinking. Why is that, anyway?
One somewhat petty annoyance I found in the book was the inclusion of a lot of unnecessary or superfluous "ill...more
One somewhat petty annoyance I found in the book was the inclusion of a lot of unnecessary or superfluous "ill...more
There. Now it’s official. Rather than simply being accused of being a pain in the ass, I now have the requisite credentials to make it official. I feel emboldened now. Let the pain in the assing begin!
To be fair, the pain in the ass I have heretofore assumed I was is not the same sort as the pain in the ass training offered here. Previously, my pain in the assdom was related to the aspects of my personality that chose to use words like “heretofore.” The ass-paining training introduced here is es...more
To be fair, the pain in the ass I have heretofore assumed I was is not the same sort as the pain in the ass training offered here. Previously, my pain in the assdom was related to the aspects of my personality that chose to use words like “heretofore.” The ass-paining training introduced here is es...more
Canadian columnist, Christopher DiCarlo, in his first novel presents a rather humorous & yet interesting look at the process of critical thinking & how arguments are formed. Across 12 distinct chapters & over 300 pages, he takes a look at the unique characteristics of how biases are formed in arguments & also how to deconstruct things to find the truth within them. Each chapter builds upon successive themes whether they're in current terms or historical & the recaps of each c...more
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DiCarlo's work is really more like two books in one: Part One, How to Become a Really Good Pain in the Ass; Part Two, Let's Watch Christopher diCarlo Be a Really Good Pain in the Ass. Frankly, I found the former far superior to the latter (possibly because I like truth in advertising), full of loads of tips and tricks that I plan to practice on poor, unsuspecting people throughout the duration of the campaign season. The second half isn't bad, per se, just... anticlimactic. Extra points given fo...more
This is an excellent and accessible introduction to formal logic as well as an interesting discussion on philosophy. The first section deals with formal argument, including different structures of arguments as well as many fallacies common in Logic. The book itself has a definite bias towards a naturalist alignment, but does well to make attempts to emphasize the suspension of judgement towards the supernaturalist points of view. In the third section of the book, diCarlo makes a strong argument...more
When I started this book I was unimpressed by the accompanying diagrams -- they seemed totally unnecessary. And the first part of the book is really a primer for those unacquainted with the tools of critical thinking but it is well written with a certain self-deprecating humor. The author frames the book in terms of the Five Big Questions that most humans attempt to answer in some form or another either through a natural or a supernatural approach. It is designed for anyone who would like to kno...more
This would be a really great book for teaching critical thinking to high schoolers. The writing is clear and easy to understand, and it covered the most basic and important aspects of critical thinking. It's systematically written, and it's very clear where diCarlo is taking you. However, the style of writing wasn't for me, as it seemed more like an essay for university than one with a compelling, interesting narrative. It was almost robotic at times, then he would throw in a pretty decent joke,...more
Very much enjoyed this book. I'm not a philosophy major but appreciated all this book covered. It helps you understand where people are coming from and what they're influenced by. I didn't read this to learn to be a pain in the ass so much as to learn how to formulate a solid argument or position and this book covers that.
I did find some of the topics a little hollow and overly lengthy but the author knew what he was trying to share so I'll just go with it.
I did find some of the topics a little hollow and overly lengthy but the author knew what he was trying to share so I'll just go with it.
Great book for learning how to be a critical thinker. The book explains some interesting steps in how to break down the arguments of others, dissect their ideas and reveal their bias, hypocrisy and inconsistencies.
I do however would like to pose a warning to those who strongly believe in religion. This book focusses on arguing against religion. So if you don't like to be challenged or consider any questioning of "faith" blasphemous, stay away.
I do however would like to pose a warning to those who strongly believe in religion. This book focusses on arguing against religion. So if you don't like to be challenged or consider any questioning of "faith" blasphemous, stay away.
I'm a privileged-ass college graduate so this was a refresher course for me but if you're a free thinker who has ever wanted to cram a few years of psychology, philosophy, or sociology courses into a few hours this book is totally for you.
Spoiler alert: it veers into the anti-superstitionalist towards the end. If that's not your bag I apologize but it is pretty difficult to be rational and religious at the same time so there's that.
Spoiler alert: it veers into the anti-superstitionalist towards the end. If that's not your bag I apologize but it is pretty difficult to be rational and religious at the same time so there's that.
This is really two books. The first half does a pretty good explaining how to understand, dissect, and challenge arguments. The second half is really an introduction to basic philosophy. First half pretty good. Second half not so much.
Perfect introduction to philosophical pain in the assery. Includes review of ancient methods, basic logic, and five questions about life that have been answered with the supernatural - if you're an asshole.
This book makes a nice compendium of critical thinking material, a bit of history and up-to-date answers to the most fundamental questions. It's worth the read.
First section on the ABC's and DEF's of critical thinking should be required reading for ANYONE who hopes to convince anyone else of anything.
I'm pretty new to the science and philosophy behind critical thinking. This book provides a great overview of both before diving into some thoroughly enjoyable natural and supernatural answers to the authors big five philosophical questions.
First half of the book worth reading, second half not so much.
Nice introductory book for those new to skepticism, logic, and philosophical thinking.
The title caught my eye, and I'm glad it did. An excellent book on critical thinking. Highly recommended.
Pretty good, but covered a lot of ground I'm already familiar with. I was hoping for some new or novel ways of explaining the secular position on "the big questions," but I suppose there's only so much you can say about it.
Good roadmap to a way of thinking about your views of the world. It provides terminology, rationale and comparison for multiple views. A good starting point for a more formal entry into skepticism.
First half is excellent.
DIDN'T FINISH THIS
May 22, 2013
Patrick
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Mike
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