Summaries of books about Logic & Language:
The Writing Revolution
A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades
Judith C. Hochman|Natalie Wexler
The book provides educators with a systematic method to teach students how to express their thoughts clearly and effectively through writing. It emphasizes the importance of writing skills across all subjects and grade levels, offering practical strategies and techniques to improve student writing and enhance critical thinking.
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An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments
Learn the Lost Art of Making Sense
Ali Almossawi, Alejandro Giraldo
The book presents a primer on logical fallacies, using whimsical illustrations and clear explanations to educate readers on common errors in reasoning. It covers a range of logical missteps, from straw man arguments to appeals to ignorance, aiming to improve critical thinking skills.
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English Grammar & Punctuation
Inc. BarCharts
The book serves as a concise reference guide that covers the basics of English grammar and punctuation, providing clear explanations, rules, and examples for correct usage. It includes topics such as parts of speech, sentence structure, and the proper use of commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks.
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The Sense of Style
The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century
Steven Pinker
The book provides guidance on how to write clear, engaging, and stylish prose, drawing from linguistic theory and cognitive science. It offers practical advice on grammar, word choice, and sentence structure, while debunking common writing myths and encouraging writers to consider their audience's perspective.
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On Bullshit
Harry G. Frankfurt
The book is a philosophical examination of the concept of bullshit, analyzing its nature, the circumstances in which it arises, and how it differs from lying. It argues that bullshit is characterized by a lack of concern for truth and is a pervasive and problematic feature of contemporary culture.
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Perfect English Grammar
The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking
Grant Barrett
The book provides a comprehensive guide to English grammar rules and usage, offering clear explanations, practical examples, and tips for both writing and speaking. It serves as a resource for improving language skills, covering everything from basic punctuation to complex sentence structures for learners at various levels.
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The Tools of Argument
How the Best Lawyers Think, Argue, and Win
Joel P. Trachtman
The book provides an insightful exploration into the strategies and techniques used by skilled lawyers to construct persuasive arguments and effectively present their cases in court. It breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible methods for thinking, arguing, and achieving success in legal battles.
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Writing Tools
55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
Roy Peter Clark
The book provides a collection of practical tips and techniques to enhance writing skills, structured as 55 concise chapters that cover various aspects of the craft, from the basics of grammar and composition to the nuances of style and storytelling. Each chapter offers clear examples and actionable advice to help writers of all levels improve their work and communicate more effectively.
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The Fallacy Detective
Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning
Nathaniel Bluedorn|Hans Bluedorn
The book is a guide to critical thinking, presenting thirty-eight lessons that teach readers how to identify and avoid common errors in reasoning. It uses humorous examples, illustrations, and exercises to engage readers in understanding logical fallacies and deceptive arguments.
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Rationality
What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters
Steven Pinker
The book explores the concept of rationality, examining both its theoretical underpinnings and its practical applications in decision-making, problem-solving, and understanding the world. It delves into why humans often deviate from rational thought, the consequences of such deviations, and the importance of promoting rationality in society.
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