Discussion of A Rulebook for Arguments

[Scott]

Please use this topic to discuss the May 2012 philosophy book of the month, A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston.

What do you think of the book? Would you recommend it to others? With which points do you agree with the author and with which which points do you disagree and why?

Hi Scott, thanks for the recommendation. This book effectively, efficiently, and inexpensively presents the ideas I just learned in my critical reasoning class, last term. These ideas are worth while for anyone who sometimes communicates others. Such a book is particularly useful for those who enjoy a higher level of discourse. For example, the sorts of people who would participate in an on-line philosophy club.

The clear and detailed table of contents is very helpful, making it easy to locate the information that is most useful or interesting, in case the reader has not yet read it cover-to-cover, or wants to review something she has already read.

Great recommendation considering the context(a philosophy forum).

with which which points do you disagree and why?

If we require a rule book we lose the argument. There are no rules in an unruly world, certainly not other authors rules. I have always found those seeking how to win arguments, have no clue how to win favour or respect.