Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.

I: Introductory issues -- What is philosophy? -- Philosophy and critical reasoning -- On reading philosophy -- II: Argument recognition and reconstruction -- The elements of analysis -- Ten helpful steps -- III: Diagramming arguments -- Fundamentals of diagramming -- Ten diagrammatical tips -- IV: Argument evaluation -- A closer look at statements -- Conditions of acceptance and rejection -- Three common deductive arguments -- Common inductive arguments -- Other common fallacies -- V: General writing tips -- Getting ready to write -- Writing your thesis -- General writing tips -- Common mistakes -- VI: Writing philosophical essays -- Evaluative essays -- Critical essays -- Revising the rewriting essays.

For use in introductory philosophy courses, this book teaches students techniques for critical thinking, reading and writing. Includes sections on how to organize papers, avoid common mistakes in writing, and to present arguments.