This text introduces students to fundamental principles of argumentation and critical thinking and teaches them
that argument is a part of everyday life. It draws on everyday experiences and examples to demonstrate principles
of logic, forms of reasoning, propositions and stock issues, evidence, language, and refutation. It also addresses
the use of the principles in contexts such as public communication, dyadic argumentation, and small group settings.
Table of Contents
Part 1: INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS.
1. Argumentation.
2. Critical Thinking.
3. Ethics in Argumentation.
4. Introduction to Argumentative Fallacies.
Part 2: CREATING ARGUMENTS.
5. Formal Logic: The Classical Structure of Arguments.
6. The Toulmin Model of Argumentation.
7. Forms of Reasoning.
8. Propositions and Stock Issues.
9. Evidence.
10. Language and Argumentation.
11. Refutation.
Part 3: CONTEXTS AND APPLICATIONS.
12. Persuasive Public Speaking.
13: Critical Listening.
14. Argumentation and Small Groups.
15. The Scientific Method and Critical Thinking.
Appendix: Secretary of State Colin Powell's Speech to the United Nations Security Council, February 5, 2003.
Glossary of Common Informal Fallacies.
Glossary of Key Concepts.
Sources.