Farnsworth's Classical English Argument

by Ward Farnsworth Narrated by Derek Perkins

Overview

Learn how to argue from the masters. This book is a complete course on the art of argument, taught by the greatest practitioners of it: Churchill, Lincoln, and hundreds of others from the golden age of debate in England and America.



The book's concise chapters provide lessons in all aspects of give and take-the syllogism and the slippery slope, the argumentum ad hominem and reductio ad absurdum, the fallacy and the insult. Ward Farnsworth shows how the full range of such techniques can be used or repelled, and brings them to life with examples that are fascinating and instructive.



The result is a must-listen reference that will leave you better able to win arguments and to defend yourself under fire. It's also an entertaining reminder that argument can be a source of beauty and delight. As Farnsworth says of the examples, they show talented advocates "crossing analytical swords and exchanging abuse when those things were done with more talent and dignity than is common today. They made argument a spectator sport of lasting value and interest."

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Farnsworth's Classical English Argument

“Mr. Farnsworth explains, among many other things, how the most gifted controversialists have used irony and humility in debates, deployed legitimate ad hominem arguments and countered fallacious ones, counseled caution and urged immediate action, and shifted the burden of proof to their opponents. . . . An instructive and entertaining measure of what we’ve lost.”
—Wall Street Journal

“A master class on the art of argument from someone who grades them for a living. You should need a permit to carry it.”
—Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)

“In this brilliant and useful book, Professor Farnsworth brings the spirit of the Stoics to public discourse. It’s a set of lessons for the ages—in analysis, rhetoric, civility and wit.”
—Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)

“It’s delightful to be reminded of the expressiveness, the pertinence, and the close reasoning that once typified political and literary argument....The clinical perspective we get from the temporal distance is a distinct gain in objectivity, but the biggest advantage is in enhanced eloquence. By hearkening back to the golden age, we see nimbler minds that are comfortable handling words and ideas. We’re truly observing speakers ‘with all the best words.’ ”
—Bryan A. Garner, Los Angeles Review of Books

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160500973
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	04/23/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	987,684

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