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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000010328946 | BC177 W354 2013 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
Argumentation, which can be abstractly defined as the interaction of different arguments for and against some conclusion, is an important skill to learn for everyday life, law, science, politics and business. The best way to learn it is to try it out on real instances of arguments found in everyday conversational exchanges and legal argumentation. The introductory chapter of this book gives a clear general idea of what the methods of argumentation are and how they work as tools that can be used to analyze arguments. Each subsequent chapter then applies these methods to a leading problem of argumentation. Today the field of computing has embraced argumentation as a paradigm for research in artificial intelligence and multi-agent systems. Another purpose of this book is to present and refine tools and techniques from computing as components of the methods that can be handily used by scholars in other fields.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
College and university faculty and administrators across nearly every discipline espouse the virtues of critical thinking. It is included in the mission statement of many institutions, and listed as a selling point for many disciplines. Yet, in this reviewer's opinion, critical thinking comes to little if one does not see it as an area of specialization, and, of course, it is not seen this way. Argumentation theory has its roots in communication studies, artificial intelligence, legal reasoning, and formal and informal logic. For those familiar with these fields, it is easy to see how argumentation theory works in general. An understanding of the application of the theory, however, requires a demonstration of its application, with real examples of solutions to real problems. Walton (Univ. of Windsor, Canada) successfully shows the methods of argumentation theory at work. Following an introductory chapter, topics include discussions of argument by analogy, teleological argumentation, scientific inquiry, fallacies, heuristics, and more. Though this volume is not suitable for undergraduate courses, instructors of courses titled "critical thinking" or "informal logic" will want to add it to their own reading lists. Excellent bibliography and thorough index. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and above. R. C. Robinson City University of New York
