05-05-2011, 12:19 AM
Ed,
I would be very glad to do something like this. Let me give it some thought and get back to you about this. One great place to begin is a used book store, if you can locate a copy of Alex Michalos, PRINCIPLES OF LOGIC (1969), where Part II on inductive logic and especially the section on informal fallacies is the best that I've ever encountered. Used logic books are not in great demand, so you might be able to pick one up. When it went out of print, I simply xeroxed copies of that section (after obtaining the author's permission) and distributed them to students in my courses in critical thinking. There is also an excellent book titled FRAUDS, MYTHS AND MYSTERIES IN ARCHAEOLOGY by Kenneth Feder, which is now in one of its multiple printings. What is great about books like this is that USUALLY their earlier versions are better than their later ones, because in the earlier editions, the authors were very economical and clearly focused, while later editions tend to have extraneous material added. So if you can find ANY EDITION of that book, it would be terrific. I used it repeatedly in courses on science and pseudo-science, where I will get back to you with more about all of this. There is at least one more I should mention, which is UNDERSTANDING ARGUMENTS by Robert Fogelin. In later editions, he has a co-author. Once again, a used copy and an earlier edition works to your advantage. So see if you can track down these three books. I am glad to respond to your request and will do what I can to fulfill it. Many thanks! I greatly appreciate your asking.
I would be very glad to do something like this. Let me give it some thought and get back to you about this. One great place to begin is a used book store, if you can locate a copy of Alex Michalos, PRINCIPLES OF LOGIC (1969), where Part II on inductive logic and especially the section on informal fallacies is the best that I've ever encountered. Used logic books are not in great demand, so you might be able to pick one up. When it went out of print, I simply xeroxed copies of that section (after obtaining the author's permission) and distributed them to students in my courses in critical thinking. There is also an excellent book titled FRAUDS, MYTHS AND MYSTERIES IN ARCHAEOLOGY by Kenneth Feder, which is now in one of its multiple printings. What is great about books like this is that USUALLY their earlier versions are better than their later ones, because in the earlier editions, the authors were very economical and clearly focused, while later editions tend to have extraneous material added. So if you can find ANY EDITION of that book, it would be terrific. I used it repeatedly in courses on science and pseudo-science, where I will get back to you with more about all of this. There is at least one more I should mention, which is UNDERSTANDING ARGUMENTS by Robert Fogelin. In later editions, he has a co-author. Once again, a used copy and an earlier edition works to your advantage. So see if you can track down these three books. I am glad to respond to your request and will do what I can to fulfill it. Many thanks! I greatly appreciate your asking.
Ed Jewett Wrote:James H. Fetzer Wrote:The term "proof" has different meanings in mathematics, empirical science, and the law, where my background might contribute to issues like these.
Dr. Fetzer, I have asked before and I'll ask again (in the greater context of critical thinking) if you might perhaps post (in an appropriate thread elsewhere here) what you consider to be the finest sources of autodidactic learning about critical thinking that those of us who are beginners, or who are up in the cheap seats, can access online or in libraries or bookstores like Amazon, about the process and sub-tasks of critical discernment.
Please don't assume that means I am taking sides in this or some other debate, or that I write now with tongue either in cheek or barbed or forked.
Such a request might also be extended to all other active contributors to DPF.
We have a file of notable books on subjects within the world of deep politics. How about an online seminar featuring you, Peter Dale Scott and any other prominent luminaries in the field on proper approaches to research, reading, formulation of questions, and -- of course-- formulation of conclusions?