Includes index.

Introduction

What is logic?

What is an argument?

When is an argument acceptable?

Summary and exercises

One. Identifying arguments

Arguments

Difficulties in identifying arguments

Grammar, punctuation, and reading comprehension

Rules for identifying premises and conclusions

Summary and exercises

Two. Formal analysis of arguments

The ideal of logic

Syllogisms

Rules for valid syllogisms

Soundness and informal logic

Summary and exercises

Three. Presenting your case

Gaining a sympathetic audience

Presenting the facts

Driving home the conclusion

Nonverbal devices

Advertising as a case study

Summary and exercises

Four. Attacking an argument

Audience reaction

Anatomy of refutation

Attacking the conclusion

Face-to-face debate

Summary and exercises

Five. Defending your case

Counterattack

Winning the argument

Going for a tie

Summary and exercises

Six. Cause-and-effect reasoning

History of the concept of "causation"

Hume's definition of cause and effect

Causal reasoning as practical

Mill's methods

Fallacies of causal reasoning

Problems with the concept of "causation"

Summary and exercises