Critical thinking : an introduction to reasoning well

Designed for effective classroom use, this book equips students to think critically, reason and argue well. "Critical Thinking: An Introduction to Reasoning Well" provides a concise and accessible introduction to logic and critical reasoning. Designed specifically to meet the needs of undergraduate students encountering philosophical logic and critical thinking for the first time, this comprehensive textbook covers all the themes and topics typically covered in an introductory course. Topics covered in this title include: the structure, formation, analysis and recognition of arguments; deductive validity and soundness; inductive strength and cogency; inference to the best explanation; truth tables; tools for argument assessment; and, informal and formal fallacies. Designed for classroom use, the book features a host of student-friendly exercises, examples, study questions, diagrams, and suggestions for further reading. Ideal for undergraduate students in philosophy and beyond, it also includes full coverage of the reasoning problems typically found on graduate school entrance exams. Guiding students to all the skills and tools necessary for effective critical thinking, the text is supplemented throughout with real life examples that highlight the immense value of thinking critically.