Understanding Arguments, Concise Edition

by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, Robert J. Fogelin

Intended for the first course in logic, this is an established text with proven strengths in its incorporation of the philosophy of language, analysis of arguments as they occur in ordinary language and of inductive arguments.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Logic

352 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Walter Sinnott-Armstrong (born 1955) is an American philosopher specializing in ethics, epistemology, neuroethics, the philosophy of law, and the philosophy of cognitive science. He is a Professor of Practical Ethics in the Department of Philosophy and the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University.

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along with the online course of Think Again, this book has a wonderful look into arguing. For now I have only read a few chapters but I love how the book starts with details and light explanations that most people will understand. It also has examples and practice tasks which come in handy.

[Blast Stormfist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise and most readable primer on logic. This should serve as a good foundation for anyone looking to expand their expertise on logic, or for a simple layperson looking to understand the fundamentals. My only gripe is there is no answer key for the exercises.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent book for the classroom, but a little too academic for me. I’m glad to have it in my reference library, however. It will be helpful in the future as I can handle small tidbits of academia to answer a specific question — but not an entire book.

[Brent L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to avoid arguments, how to make arguments, and how to recognize when the other side is just not making sense!

[Carlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on informal logic available, in my opinion. I keep returning to this book year after year to refresh, review, & exercise my critical thinking skills. I can't recommend it highly enough.