How to Argue will banish fears and confusion felt by students demonstrating their ability to argue. Packed with tried and tested advice, this book will guide them through the techniques of forming an academic argument, from contradictions and tensions, to empirical adequacy, structure and presentation.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Quick route through the book
Introduction: How Not to Argue
1 Getting Started
Introduction
Step One Does it Matter?
Step Two Choosing Your Argument
Step Three The One-Sentence Summary
(rough version)
2 Structuring Your Argument
Introduction
Step One Sketching it out
Step Two The One-Sentence Summary
(smooth version)
Step Three Putting it All Together
3 Arguments for All Occasions
(sub-headings not yet confirmed by author)
4 How to Criticise Arguments
Introduction
Circularity
Simplistic
Reductionist and Determinist
Bias
Teleology
Ad hominem
Conclusion
5 Arguing Out Loud: Oral Presentations
Introduction
The Preparation and Structure of Oral Presentations
Presentation Day
Still Worried? Tips for the Nervous
Nasty Questions
Team Presentations
Finally Take it Seriously
Conclusion
6 How to be Original
Introduction
New Topics, New Comparisons and New Contexts
Theoretical Collisions
Minor to Major
Listening for What is not being Said
Turning Things on their Head
Doubt Everything
Afterword: Having Something to Say
Glossary: Key Words for Arguers
Further Reading
References
Index
