Crimes Against Logic
by Jamie Whyte
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Read in June, 2007
The author's tone is condescending and pedantic. He often constructs straw men or belabors a deconstruction of the weakest argument ever put forth by a particular position.
Here is an example which may allow you to decide if the book is for you. In the chapter "Begging the Question," we are presented with a character, Jack, who is a libertarian, who believes the individual right to property is paramount, and looks for an absolutely minimal government. We also meet Jill, his counte...more
Here is an example which may allow you to decide if the book is for you. In the chapter "Begging the Question," we are presented with a character, Jack, who is a libertarian, who believes the individual right to property is paramount, and looks for an absolutely minimal government. We also meet Jill, his counte...more
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Read in April, 2007
recommends it for:
everyone.
Another book meant to destroy, or at least floodlight, prevalently tolerated human behavior. Whyte immediately strikes at the throat of one of our most commonly shared beliefs, that we have a right to our own opinion. If you believe that you do have this right, Whyte will certainly make a very strong argument for why you may want to consider that one mo’ time again. He will also demonstrate very clearly that even if you have the right to your opinion, your claim of it is absolutely irrelev...more
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Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
People who think about what they say
I thought this book was funny. I think its bad reviews are based upon people expecting too much from it. This isn't the Cambridge Edition of Logical Fallacies, it isn't arguing a specific system of formal logic, it's a simple pop-philosophy book that seeks to poke fun at the lack of logic in everyday arguments. It is unique in that it uses logic to expose fallacious arguments commonly found in news programs, political debates etc, which any logician would just ignore. A few such arguments; a...more
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Read in June, 2008
I love this book. I am interested in learning how to better identify logical flaws in an otherwise passionate argument. I wouldn't recommend the book if you are devoutly religious; you may find some of the logical arguments around religious claims very difficult to swallow. If you want to learn to present a solid argument better, or to take apart someone else's, this is a fantastic book. The only thing I take issue with is his definition of the word "opinion." To me, an opinion cannot ...more
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in December, 2007
I wanted to like this book. I tried to like this book. The premise was, I though, a good one: to use the principles of logic to dissect popular arguments of the day, and to recognize fallacies for what they are. Unfortunately, the author does a great disservice to the noble enterprise by falling victim to those same fallacies in the attempt to poke holes in arguments. Straw men and ad hominem attacks abound, and more often then not the book provides an excellent example of what not to do.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
all
I just read this book (May 2007) and I really liked it. I am interested in logic, first of all, but it's very practical but entertaining as well. Check out the description of the book on amazon and if the subject matter sounds like your cup of tea, then please check it out. It may change your life! Many thanks for Jennifer Speer for giving me this book to me for my 26th birthday!
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
Anyone
This is good in its analysis and description of things people say and do that don't make sense, but it gets repetitive and its tone of indignation gets stale after a while. Worth reading, though, if mainly to improve one's ability to spot these behaviors and call the offenders on them.
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Read in May, 2008
This book will enrapture anyone who angrily spots logical fallacies in newspapers and television and wishes anyone else noticed, or perhaps cared. First chapter is on the supposed Right to one's own opinion. If it were cheaper, I would give this book out as party favors.
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Read in May, 2005
This book is a fast refresher on all those things you might've been taught in a college logic course but have since forgotten to apply to daily life.
Even if you've never had a college logic course, this is an entertaining, accessible read.
Even if you've never had a college logic course, this is an entertaining, accessible read.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
if you ever find yourself debating with the TV
definitely read this book. It was a great set up that even if you don't agree with all his opinions - it actually sets you up to begin to think critically about the arguments and justifications you are presented with every day.
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Whenever I assign this book for a class, my students consistently rank it as their favorite reading. The first chapter on why you don't have a right to your own opinion should be essential reading for all college students.
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Read in February, 2008
Discussion of logical fallacies that are constantly made in arguments from dinner tables to NewsHours. Very funny and sharp - I read it all in one sitting. Recommended to anyone angered by fuzzy thinking.
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Ansley by:
Aaron Brown
Interesting. While it didn't really uncover any new ground for me, it was nice to see someone had put together a listing of egregious logic abuses (with examples, albeit simple ones.)
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Read in January, 2008
a clever, short read. perfect for a 5-hour flight. although he's abrasive in his attacks, he has a strong argument against certain arguments. ironic.
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recommends it for:
Everyone
A lighthearted attack on common logical fallacies heard coming from politicians, advertisers, activists, and the like.
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Great Read, and it just reminds you of how ludicrous some peoples arguments can be, and how illogical they act.
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Read in June, 2008
A short, interesting read sure to have at least nuggets of logic and argumentation wisdom for anyone.
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Read in August, 2006
Some may find Whyte's tone a bit dismissive, I really wasn't bothered by it. Highly recommended.
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ah a "take no prisoners" kind of book...who doesn't love those?
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recommends it for:
Anyone who loves common sense and the English language.
How wonderful to see what so many people SHOULD'VE said!
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