The first and most thoroughly developed audience-oriented argumentation text, Argumentation and Critical Decision Making presents argumentation as a cooperative, communicative process. The text examines the general principles of argument in a rigorous yet readable manner and then applies those principles to different spheres of life--law, science, religion, business, and politics--to explore how conventions of argument change when applied to these real-world arenas. Focusing on the dynamics of decision-making and using real-life examples to illustrate principles, this book aims to help readers develop practical argumentation skills within the world of their daily lives.

Preface.
I. PRINCIPLES.
1. The Domain of Argumentation.
2. Critical Bases of Argumentation.
3. Critical Approaches to Argumentation.
4. Analysis in Argumentation.
5. Case Building.
II. TOOLS.
6. The Nature of Arguments.
7. Support: Evidence.
8. Support: Values.
9. Support: Credibility.
10. Refutation.
11. Refutation By Fallacy Claim.
III. APPLICATIONS.
12. Argumentation in Law.
13. Argumentation in Science.
14. Argumentation in Religion.
15. Argumentation in Business.
16. Argumentation in Government and Politics.