Unlike most texts in critical thinking, Reason in the Balance focuses broadly on the practice of critical inquiry, the process of carefully examining an issue in order to come to a reasoned judgment. Although analysis and critique of individual arguments have an important role to play, this text goes beyond that dimension to emphasize the various aspects that go into the practice of inquiry, including identifying issues and relevant contexts, understanding competing cases, and making a comparative judgment.

Distinctive Features of the Text:

    Emphasis on applying critical thinking to complex issues with competing arguments
    Inclusion of chapters on inquiry in specific contexts
    Attention to the dialogical aspects of inquiry, including sample dialogues
    Emphasis on the spirit of inquiry

The Second Edition Features:

    Updated examples and items of current interest
    New dialogues on vaccination, prostitution, and climate change
    New material on biases in reasoning, including emotional, psychological, social, and cognitive

The Reason in the Balance Website includes:

    An Appendix on Logic
    Exercises
    Quizzes