Logical Mcinery, D.Q. (2005). Being Book Review

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Check our facts -- yes, it takes time, and one must rely on a basic understanding of sourcing (askyahoo.com vs. Questia research, for instance); understand your source material (bias, their own issues); what words are being used and why; how reasonable and effective is the interpretation? So, what does all that "homework do?"

Well, according to McInerny, it "prepares" the mind for logic. Once the mind is ready, it is now time to put the principles into the logical matrix: relevancy, argumentation, rhetoric, comparisons, and reasoning. By utilizing this matrix, one avoids the trap of illogical thinking, and the premise that one needs someone "external" to provide answers to events, interpretations, and even the answer, to current and past events. It is our own, individual responsibility, to understand our world, and while the process may not be as quick as a "sound bite," it is certainly more satisfying.

Finally, by analyzing the patterns of illogical thinking, we can avoid being led down the "rosy" path and make the types of decisions so vital in a modern democracy. One very entertaining, yet poignant example, is the preponderance of using "so-called" experts to help us understand our world, what medicines to take, what candidates to support, even what food to eat. What do movie stars, with the exception of the dialog their screenwriters provide, know about arthritis prevention, diabetes, pain relief, international relations, or the newest bill before Congress. Imagine, if you will, that rather than Sally Field espousing the benefits of osteoporosis drug "Boniva," a professor of osteology from a major university talked about the long-term benefits of the drug in clinical trials. Would more people rush out and "ask their doctor" about Boniva?

That being said, while it is important that the bar be raised in school, the workplace, and indeed the populace regarding understanding how to form and analyze an argument, it is unrealistic to posit that everyone should analyze everything all the time. There are important distinctions -- disbelieving all your coworkers in favor of critiquing their argument is neither appropriate nor realistic.

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We can all appreciate Professor McInerny's wonderful vocabulary and turn of a phrase, but there are times for graphic novels just as there are times for philosophical diatribes. There are times to discuss our daily lives, and times to debate existential topics. but, if we want to hone and improve our language skills, attention to detail, logic, and ability to critically analyze what we read or hear -- this is a great guide. "It is impossible to have clear communication without clear thinking? How can I give you a clear idea of something if it is not first clear in my mind?" (14). Similarly, "there are argument that are comically inept and therefore deserving of laughter. But even in those cases it is better, rather than dismissing an argument with easy ridicule, to take the time to show how and why it fails as an argument" (123).

Thus, can one ever be content ever again with watching the nightly news? Can one ever listen to a political speech again without asking, "but what about?" -- McInerny doesn't promise that reading his book will provide instant gratification or happiness -- all he promises is that adopting some of the principles of logic, one will have a more robust understanding of the world, how it works, and whether or not we are receiving a reasonable semblance of truth from our disparate sources.

REFERENCES

"Most Young People Entering the U.S. Workforce Lack Critical Skills Essential

For Success." (October 2, 2006). Corporate Voices. Cited in:

http://www.cvworkingfamilies.org/node/153

"Why Does the World Get American Movies but America Doesn't Watch Their

Movies?" (2009). USA Information -- Promotion and News Center. Cited in:

http://us.promo.web.id/why-does-the-world-get-american-movies-but-america-doesnt-watch-other-countries-movie.htm.....

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