Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking [Paperback]

Throughout the text, the vocabulary of informal logic is introduced. Arguments are defined, a nice distinction is made between descriptive and prescriptive assumptions, and most of the major fallacies are discussed. While the text is not a complete reference in these respects, it covers most of the basic terms and structural features of arguments with which those new to the field should be familiar.

The editing is disappointing for a sixth edition, especially a paperback sixth edition at this price. Punctuation is occasionally missing. Correctly-spelled but misused words are sprinkled throughout, e.g., 'rationale' is used where 'rational' would be more appropriate. Perhaps most disturbing is an argument about abortion that inappropriately becomes one about divorce, which suggests a careless attempt to reuse past writing.

This book would be appropriate for bright high school students, undergraduates, or anyone wishing to develop their critical thinking skills. If you, like many others, frequently find that most of the arguments you read or hear seem to "make sense" and would like guidance in deciding whether to accept or reject a particular claim (and why), then you would likely find reading this book to be enlightening and rewarding.

ARQ uses a systematic list of questions to review the proposed thesis. These questions are designed to help you understand their conclusion, and evaluate their supporting evidence. Throughout the book, you are encouraged to set your own biases aside in favor of rationally evaluating the evidence. Furthermore, you receive some brief instruction on typical logical fallicies. Ad hominem attacks are addressed; however, I disagree with a prior reviewer's assertion that this is nothing new. Indeed some of us grew up in homes that did not value name-calling, but that is just the start of an ad-hominem attack. Many times discussions get sidetracked by implicit accusations about a person's character. As an example, this statement (greatly simplified here) was recently used on me, "you couldn't possibly be able to think critically, because your spiritual convictions make you biased." Until I read ARQ, I had a hard time realizing that this is actually a diversionary tactic used to sidetrack the discussion. If I accept this "evidence", the issue now becomes my credibility, instead of discussing my actual position on the issue.

Another good point the authors make is that that the mere existence of a logical fallicy should be not used as a means to halt discussion:

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When you spot a [logical] fallacy, you have found a legitimate basis for rejecting the argument. But in the spirit of constructive critical thinking, you want to continue the discussion of the issue.... [if the] fallacy occured in an oral argument your best bet for an enduring conversation is to ask the person who committed the fallacy if there is not a better reason for the conclusion. (ARQ, 6th ed, p 105)
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Finally, this book doesn't try to give you the "right answers" to controversial issues. They teach you how to find those answers on your own. In many cases, there are no right or wrong answers... simply a difference in the core values of the individuals.

I have been very pleased with the thoughtful approach that ARQ uses. I believe that every high-school and college student should be required to read it.

Although not its purpose, Asking the Right Questions actually provides great insight into the art of brainwashing. The authors' meticulous journey through the techniques of critical thinking reveals how we too frequently accept what we are told without ever questioning the source of the material. As we are bombarded daily with information, there are so many opportunities for misunderstanding and deception. How easily we surrender our power to others by allowing them, in so many subtle ways, to control our opinions and beliefs! For it truly is difficult to "pan for gold" and make our own choices.

By the same token, it is extremely easy for others to utilize ambiguous language, assumptions, invalid arguments and biased evidence to persuade or convince us that their opinions are "right". Sadly, most of us are not even aware that we are being led - we just don't "see" the faulty logic in many arguments or question the data being provided. The authors' critical questions and clues are invaluable in analyzing examples of flawed reasoning.

This book is a mind-expanding experience for almost everyone. It is a newfound freedom that will forever alter your perception and your approach to thinking process.