The Elements of Arguments introduces such central critical thinking topics as informal fallacies, the difference between validity and truth, basic formal propositional logic, and how to extract arguments from texts. Turetzky aims to prevent common confusions by clearly explaining a number of important distinctions, including: propositions vs. propositional attitudes, propositions vs. states of affairs, and logic vs. rhetoric vs. psychology. Exercises are provided throughout, including numerous informal arguments that can be assessed using the skills and strategies presented within the text.

Philip Turetzky is formerly a professor of philosophy at Colorado State University (retired).

Introduction for StudentsIntroduction for Instructors

Chapter I: Basic Definitions and Structure of the Text

• Part I – Arguments
• Part II – Some Types of Arguments and Standards of Evaluation

Chapter II: Propositions

• Part I – Truth and Falsity of Propositions
• Part II – Identifying Propositions
• Part III – Logic and Rhetoric
• Part IV – Informal Fallacies

Chapter III: Compound Propositions and Truth Functional Connectives

• Part I – Logical Negation
• Part II – Logical Conjunction
• Part III – Logical Disjunction
• Part IV – Truth Functional Conditionals

Chapter IV: Logical Relations

• Part I – Definitions of Some Logical Relations
• Part II – Modal Concepts
• Part III – Informal Fallacies of Equivocation

Chapter V: Argument Forms and their Evaluation

• Part I – Argument Forms
• Part II – Testing for Validity
• Part III – From Validity to Soundness

Chapter VI: Arguments in Ordinary Language

• Part I – Identifying Arguments
• Part II – Diagramming the Flow of Premises and Conclusions
• Part III – Principles of Interpretation: Enthymemes
• Part IV – Argument Assessment Strategies