‘Think Again: How to Reason and Argue’, by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong.

What’s it about:

Okay, so this book is pretty much an academic text. I actually studied a night-class in philosophy reason and argument and all the key points from that university course were pretty much covered.

It’s a very formulaic philosophy book - as in, provides definitions of valid arguments and lists fallacies and how to construct a well-evidenced/founded/robust argument. It does not, however, stray into the realms of really being applicable in making everyone be convinced of the importance of equality in a fun way. I suppose that’s quite a specific book which I would probably author.

As per Penguin, ‘Think Again explains how to analyse, evaluate and make better arguments while also spotting bad reasoning and avoiding certain fallacies.’

Head to the author’s website if you fancy more literature on philosophy.

What Lynn learned:

• It’s tough to concentrate on academic solid stuff on a Friday night with a glass of wine.

• Jokes at others’ expenses builds group solidarity and also ‘rob the target of any way to recover’ (p.42.) – but I’m not saying use this tool.

• Following and influencing have really shaped the way we argue as ‘incivility, exaggeration and extremism increases audiences’ (p.50).

• Reason and emotion can go together 😊 yay.

Fave quotes:

·       ‘Rhetoric gains likes. Reason receives dislikes. The medium that should be our tool shapes our actions and goals’ (p. 5).

·       ‘Some brave souls do seek conflicting news sources’ (p. 57).

Why relevant right now:

Maybe it’s not. Argue it with me.

Interest factor: 2/5

Coffee table cred: 2/5

Ignorance of external world while reading: 2/5

Book cover design: 3/5

Help the existential crisis: 2/5