The Pursuit of Probable Truth

The Pursuit of Probable Truth: A Primer on Argument is a concise, practical guide for learning to argue effectively. Designed as a primer for students in a beginning argumentation course, it rests on the assumption that skill in argument is best developed through practice. The book brief to provide the basics necessary to get started arguing well.

The basic nature and purposes of argument

The key ideas that guide successful argument

The primary contexts in which argument occurs and the formats for arguing in those contexts

How to construct rationally sound cases to support claims

How to present arguments orally

How to attack and defend arguments in debates