Preface. - Orientation. Basic Assumptions. - 1. Recognizing Arguments. What Is an Arguments?. Three General Consideration. Recognizing Argumments. Multiple Conclusions and Complex Arguments. - 2. Analyzing Arguments. Showing the Structure of Arguments. Strategies of Analysis. Two Special Problems. Analyzing a Complex Arguments: An Example. - 3. Evaluating Arguments. Deductive Arguments. Nondeductive Arguments. Complex Arguments. Overall Arguments Evaluation. - 4. Some Valid Argument Forms. Sentential Form. Valid Argument Forms. Two Invalid Argument Forms. Showing the Validity of Complex Arguments. Conditionals. Equivalent Forms. Using Inference and Equivalence Rules. - 5. Causal Analysis. Basic Causal Relationships. Designating Factors as Causes. Causal Explanations. Testing Causal Claims. - 6. Argument by Analogy and Models. Analogical Arguments. Models. Evaluating Analogical Reasoning. - 7. Errors in Reasoning : Fallacies. Fallacies in Supporting a Claim. Fallacies of Criticism and Response. - 8. Definition. Definition of Definition. Two Types of Definition. Methods of Definition. Standards of Definition. - 9. Vagueness and Ambiguity. Vagueness. Ambiguity. - 10. Reasonable Beliefs. Granted Claims and Accepted Beliefs. New Claims, Background Beliefs, and Rationality. - Exercises. - Exercises: Some Answers, Hints and Comments. - Index.

This concise book introduces you to the basics of sound reasoning, clearly and painlessly. You'll learn to identify and evaluate arguments, test causal claims, eliminate vagueness, and frame convincing arguments of your own ... Requiring no basic knowledge of logic, Basics of Reasoning will guide your own reasoning and help you to analyze the reasoning of others. It's ideal for any short course or segments of a larger course that focus on critical thinking or reasoning. - Back cover