Understanding Argument in a Post-Truth World

Watch Heather Walters and Kristen Stout talk about what's new and notable in the second edition of Understanding Argument in a Post-Truth World here.

Understanding Argument in a Post-Truth World provides students with the necessary skills to help them critically evaluate the situations they face in a technologically driven, “post-truth” world. Authors Heather Walters and Kristen Stout explore how the use of technology has changed the way people argue, and how disinformation, information overload, and polarization have impacted the study of argumentation.

Ten focused and accessible chapters give students the information they need to effectively participate in everyday arguments and how to engage in productive civil discourse. It also covers the practical benefits of critical thinking, provides updated analysis of some core argumentation concepts, and demonstrates how to make better decisions. This thoroughly updated edition considers how recent events such as COVID-19 (and its ensuing debates over masking and vaccines) and the spread of disinformation (into areas beyond those of just politics) are impacting our lives and altering the culture of argument.

This is an ideal textbook for courses in argumentation, civil discourse, and communication and critical thinking in a variety of departments including Communication, Philosophy, Political Science, and English.