Argumentation: Understanding and Shaping Arguments explores the concepts and principles of clear thinking, critical listening, and careful analysis that active citizens and professionals need to evaluate and make arguments effectively. Professors who use the book have praised its emphasis on real-life argument--the political discourse and the social, professional, and personal contexts where students encounter and make arguments in their own lives.
Drawing on classical and contemporary theory and principles, Dr. Herrick explores the structure of arguments; relationships between reasons and conclusions; the criteria of evidence, validity, and definitional clarity; common types of arguments and fallacies; and issues of adapting arguments to audiences.