Nonsense: How to Overcome It

If you seek a book to help you improve your arguments and avoid common mistakes in logic, I believe you will not find a better book. The author lists hundreds of common falacies as well as problems with logical structure. More importantly, his examples are presented in a very logical and clear manner.The book has 23 chapters, most of them simply listing, describing, and demonstrating examples of common falacies. For example, one chapter (4) lists common emotional fallacies like "Appeal to pity" or "Appeal to Guilt." Most likely, whatever kind of fallacy you want to learn about has been covered here. From Red Herring, nonsequitur, circular reasoning, strawman, amphiboly. Even many things you might not have considered before such as witty remarks, damnation by faint praise, ambiguity, tone, intimidation, and a lesson on semantics.Four chapters cover more technical theory in argumentation like Cause and Effect, the history of reasoning, or the Syllogism. Throughout the book, the author reasons with you to help avoid creating more nonsense... that while it may feel tempting to use the wonderful tools he demonstrates here, the higher road would call us to respond in a more logical, less emotional way to solve our problems.

This book does deserve more stars!!! If concerned that the information is not new, please consider that the book was published in the late 1970's. The book is NOT new. However, 'Nonsense' effortlessly presents many issues relating to the important realm of clear thinking, rationality, logic, and effective arguments. 'Nonsense' is an easy and delightful book to read - features which are unfortunately rare, especially in this subject area. After reading this book you will be much more insightful in any discussion, much better able to defend yourself from any marketing pitch, and much better armed for any argument. I highly recommend that you devour 'Nonsense' promptly!