Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Political Issues

by George McKenna, Stanley Feingold

This debate-style reader is designed to introduce students to controversies in politics. The readings represent the arguments of authors such as Ronald Dworkin, Robert W. Lee, and Carl T. Bogus. Issues “The Moral Reading of the Constitution”, “Deserving to Die” and “The Strong Case for Gun Control". The purpose of this volume is to develop critical thinking skills by requiring students to analyze opposing viewpoints and reach considered judgement. Taking Sides are supported by the student Web site, Dushkin Online (www.dushkin.com/online/), where study tips and links to related Web sites can be found.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Textbooks, Read For School

406 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good sentiment behind this book, and the summaries/collection of works are excellent, but it's incredibly difficult to find the authors of passages you are interested in reading from the Index or Table of Contents. He cites everything by his summaries, meaning he uses his name instead of the author's when signifying passages. Incredibly annoying.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know both arguments for a political issue...this is the book. I really enjoyed it because it posed a question or topic then you can read the opinion of the side for and the side that's against. I found it really informative, and it actually helped me get an opinion on several issues because I was better informed based what I read.

Another nice thing about this book it that it doesn't read like a text book...it's more like hearing both sides of a political debate.

I would recommend this book to anyone who votes...will vote... or just wants to have an opinion.

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book I had as a supplement and never read it and so I thought I would go ahead and read it. It is basically has a bunch of point counter point on policy issues.

[laurenpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite textbooks from college... eye-opening to me back in the day.