Chapter Summary

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Chapter 11: Evaluating Arguments and Persuasive Writing

Critical reading and thinking requires that the reader be able to judge the source and authority of arguments and persuasive text, to understand and evaluate arguments, and to identify errors in reasoning. Practice readings, explanations, and exercises are provided for developing skill in recognizing parts of inductive and deductive arguments. Strategies are also provided for reading and evaluating an argument as well as for recognizing errors in logical reasoning. More specifically, it is suggested that the reader identify what is being argued for, read closely and carefully, watch for conclusions, become alert to the types of evidence given, reread to examine both content and structure, notice key terms, be alert to value judgments, assumptions, or cause-effect connections, and look for counterarguments.

The fallacies in logical reasoning discussed in this chapter include: (1) circular reasoning; (2) hasty generalization; (3) non sequitur; (4) false cause; (5) either-or fallacy; (6) emotional appeal; (7) false analogy; (8) bandwagon appeal; (9) ad hominem; (10) abstract concepts as reality; (11) red herring.

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