Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life

I needed this book for my Critical Thinking class. I wasn't very fond of my professor but this book has made all the difference. It is extremely easy read, it's fun, entertaining, very informative, and very contemporary. It deals with the major issues of the modern era. I would recommend it to anybody because it helps extend readers thinking and perception of the world. I simply loved it. Keep in mind that the first few chapters are a little bit technical so it may seem boring at first. But don't let this scare you.

Kahane and Cavender have one of the best critical thinking textbooks that I have seen. The use of political cartoons and the chapters on the news media and advertising always pique student interest. The text is lively and not afraid to show opinion where the opinion is well reasoned. The attacks on psuedo-scientific reasoning at least challenge students conceptions and prompt discussion.

This is an excellent book, with no axe to grind--other than promoting clear thinking. It covers a lot of ground, is accessible, yet not superficial. I have used it in class for years in its various editions, and the examples, discussion, and even cartoons are always of the best quality. Students love this book, and for good reason. Of course, Kahane always annoys adherents of astrology, etc. Maybe that was it.

As a community college teacher, I used this book very successfully with my students. We found the critical thinking principles clearly explained and the many examples invaluable. For students working their way through complex problems in logic and language, this book is a user-friendly must.

Howard Kahane's "Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric" literally changed my life when I was assigned it in college over 20 years ago. Prof. Kahane has set down nearly every possible trick, deception, or error that could possibly come up in public--or private--discourse. In this new edition the reader will find many recent examples of the improper use of rhetoric from news articles, public speeches, advertising, and media "observations." Despite the rather functional title, Kahane has written a readable, entertaining, enjoyable book. As in most textbooks, there are exercises at the end of each chapter, but when was the last time you wanted to share such "brain teasers" with friends? This book does have one drawback--you'll again never be able to sit through advertisements, political speeches, or journalistic commentaries without noticing flawed reasoning, dirty tricks, and irrelevancies. If everybody would read this book, we'd all be better off--except for big business and government; they'd be in *big* trouble. Educational and fun.