The Art of Argument - TOS Crew Review

Since we have not followed a classical style of learning in our homeschooling over the years, we have not studied logic in any formal sense.  So when presented with the opportunity to review The Art of Argument, I had mixed feelings.  First, I was intrigued by the title since there is a lot of arguing that goes on this house with my teens!  Second, I was a little intimidated about teaching a course on logic since I have not studied it formally in any manner throughout my life, although I am a very logical person.  So, it took me a while to get up the nerve to open the books and look them over.  However, when I finally did take some time to peruse them, I was very pleasantly surprised with the way the books were presented and how appealingly they are laid out for the students!  This made it much easier to delve into with my teens.

The Art of Argument, published by Classical Academic Press, is an introduction to the informal fallacies.  "What is that?" you might ask (like I did.)    Here is what their website says:

"From billboards to commercials to a walk down the mall, fallacious arguments are everywhere you look. The Art of Argument was designed to teach the argumentative adolescent how to reason with clarity, relevance and purpose at a time when he has a penchant for the "why" and "how". It is designed to equip and sharpen young minds as they live, play, and grow in this highly commercial culture. This course teaches students to recognize and identify twenty-eight informal fallacies, and the eye-catching text includes over sixty slick and clever, “phony advertisements” for items from blue jeans to pick-up trucks, which apply the fallacies to a myriad of real life situations."

If you have ever had an argument with your teenager, you know that there are many different and creative ways that they can approach an argument and they seem to constantly be expanding their argument repertoire!  Well, YOU may even learn a lot from this curriculum to distinguish good and valid arguments from those that just aren't valid.  Of course, the down side of this course is that your teens may use the information they learn AGAINST YOU!!  But, of course, you already realized that as they learn and grow they also become better at "presenting their case" for what they want, haven't you? Ah, the fun times ahead!

The Art of Argument is available as a bundle which includes the Student Text, Teacher's Edition and DVD Set for $88.95.  Or you can purchase the components individually as follows:
Student Text  $21.95
Teacher's Edition $24.95
DVD Set $54.95

There are also sample pages from both the Student Text and the Teacher's Edition available on their website so you can take a glance at what to expect in the books.

"The greatly expanded Art of Argument Teacher’s Edition now includes the entire student text, answers to all exercises, and new chapter and unit tests. The DVD Set features three experienced logic teachers and four capable, enthusiastic students discussing the 28 fallacies with contemplation and humor. Each discussion seeks to make a practical application of the fallacy to student life, advertisements, political speech, and various kinds of ethical and philosophical debates."


If you would like to read more reviews of The Art of Argument, visit the TOS Review Crew website here for more reviews.


I received this product for free in return for an honest review. I have not received financial reimbursement for my review of The Art of Argument by Classical Academic Press.