Rating: 
Summary: A good starter, but not complete
Review: ...[5th edition] I actually took the class Introduction to Critical Thinking with Dr. Keeley, and much like his and Browne's book, it seems rather incomplete. I'll admit it's a good way to become introduced to the terminology used in CT -- but don't we learn most of this from parents and teachers at a young age anyway? (e.g. attacking a person instead of their reasoning isn't a good argument; in this book, it's called "ad hominem")The biggest trend I noticed among Keeley's and Browne's students was that they come out spouting fallacies left and right, but not doing any real thinking for themselves or coming up with ideas.... The last chapter -- which actually talks about alternate solutions -- is way too short. I believe this should be the ultimate emphasis and focus of the book: not just finding fallacies, but also being able to offer new possibilities and solutions. Also, simple logic fallacies themselves do not defeat an entire argument; they just mean that the supporting statements need to be reworked. If someone uses a faulty analogy, then they should look elsewhere for support; it doesn't mean their entire argument is wrong. But this seems to be what many of the "real world" examples given in this book do. E.g. "Ross Perot says X Y Z. That's a fallacy, therefore he is wrong." But that's the end of it -- no suggestions, no alternate conclusions, no evidence to suggest otherwise; just fallacies. While these work fine as examples of how NOT to structure YOUR OWN arguments, it fails when applying it to others' (aside from making you very unpopular and cynical among your acquaintances). These have little application outside of academia and the inflated egos of CT students who think themselves to be "experts" in the field. In the real world, while the ability to find flaws is important, people need to work toward real conclusions and solutions. Also, in the real world, people have to take into consideration their audience, which may not always be made up of undergraduate college students in CT classes. But -- if all you're looking for is an introduction to the field of critical thinking, this book works well (hence 3 stars). It's a quick, easy read even for high school students. If you want real-life strategic thinking skills, look elsewhere....
Rating: 
Summary: Don't be a sponge!
Review: After reading ARQ and making its content an active part of my life, I was plucked from the world of passive sponges and dropped into the world of eager learners "panning for gold." I have never looked back. This book has had a tremendous impact on my learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom. I have learned not to simply accept the facts presented to me, but to question them in a systematic and logical fashion. Additionally, I now see the immense value of questioning both the convictions I agree with most intensely and those I disagree with most intensely. This critical thinking process enables me to understand the values and assumptions that shape my person. I would highly recommend ARQ to anyone wishing to learn the skills of an active, life-long learner.
Rating:
Summary: If I could get this book long before...
Review: Although this book will probably tell you that personal testimony is not very effective as an evidence since you do not know me, I still want to contribute here to say that this book is terrific. Throughout the book, the author guides you what questions to ask when you look at an argument. This book provides me with insights to how to approach arguments and opinions. More importantly, it helps me understand how to revisit my own opinions and positions and how to contruct my argument more effectively.
Rating:
Summary: foundation for critical thinking
Review: Although this book will probably tell you that personal testimony is not very effective as an evidence since you do not know me, I still want to contribute here to say that this book is terrific. Throughout the book, the author guides you what questions to ask when you look at an argument. This book provides me with insights to how to approach arguments and opinions. More importantly, it helps me understand how to revisit my own opinions and positions and how to contruct my argument more effectively.
Rating:
Summary: ARQ: A Serious Learner's Bible
Review: ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS has been a phenomenal influence in my life. From start to finish, it helped me to rid myself of one of my foremost enemies: sloppy thought. The book is superbly organized, well written, and extremely easy to follow. Additionally, the fifth edition's graphics add an extra dose of spice to enhance the book's readability. I have found that after reading ARQ, I have been able to apply its critical thinking tips to all of my college classes, from history to English and from econ. to law. Furthermore, by enhancing my critical thinking skills, I have been more effective as a consumer and a citizen as well. Most importantly, however, ARQ inspired me to question the evidence for many of my previously-held beliefs en route to becoming a lifelong learner. I have recommended this book to many friends, classmates, and even former teachers. I would encourage any person who is interested in developing her or his mind to read ARQ. Not only doe! s it provide readers with the skills necessary to be a critical thinker, but it also imbues them with the spirit of intellectual curiosity that only true learners possess.
Rating: 
Summary: Good introduction to Critical Thinking
Review: Asking the Right Questions is a practical book in the category of Critical Thinking or Informal Logic. It discusses a set of questions that may be used to analyze and evaluate rational arguments. After a short introduction explaining the scope, purpose, and relative usefulness of thinking critically, the book divides into chapters, each centered around a particular critical question, e.g., "What significant information is omitted?" and "How good is the evidence?" Throughout the text, the vocabulary of informal logic is introduced. Arguments are defined, a nice distinction is made between descriptive and prescriptive assumptions, and most of the major fallacies are discussed. While the text is not a complete reference in these respects, it covers most of the basic terms and structural features of arguments with which those new to the field should be familiar. The editing is disappointing for a sixth edition, especially a paperback sixth edition at this price. Punctuation is occasionally missing. Correctly-spelled but misused words are sprinkled throughout, e.g., 'rationale' is used where 'rational' would be more appropriate. Perhaps most disturbing is an argument about abortion that inappropriately becomes one about divorce, which suggests a careless attempt to reuse past writing. This book would be appropriate for bright high school students, undergraduates, or anyone wishing to develop their critical thinking skills. If you, like many others, frequently find that most of the arguments you read or hear seem to "make sense" and would like guidance in deciding whether to accept or reject a particular claim (and why), then you would likely find reading this book to be enlightening and rewarding.
Rating:
Summary: Think For Yourself
Review: Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking by M. Neil Brownie and Stuart Kelley is an in-depth handbook on critical thinking techniques that enable us to evaluate arguments and question the quality of the reasoning that leads to a certain conclusion. The authors state that too often we accept what we see and hear, becoming passive absorbers of information rather than critical listeners or readers. They go on to caution us against adapting a belief as our own before examining the validity of arguments for or against. We should ask questions in order to reach our own personal opinion or decision. Although not its purpose, Asking the Right Questions actually provides great insight into the art of brainwashing. The authors' meticulous journey through the techniques of critical thinking reveals how we too frequently accept what we are told without ever questioning the source of the material. As we are bombarded daily with information, there are so many opportunities for misunderstanding and deception. How easily we surrender our power to others by allowing them, in so many subtle ways, to control our opinions and beliefs! For it truly is difficult to "pan for gold" and make our own choices. By the same token, it is extremely easy for others to utilize ambiguous language, assumptions, invalid arguments and biased evidence to persuade or convince us that their opinions are "right". Sadly, most of us are not even aware that we are being led - we just don't "see" the faulty logic in many arguments or question the data being provided. The authors' critical questions and clues are invaluable in analyzing examples of flawed reasoning. This book is a mind-expanding experience for almost everyone. It is a newfound freedom that will forever alter your perception and your approach to thinking process.
Rating:
Summary: A good path to management
Review: Challenging ideas is always the hard way - but it seems to be the only way forward when moving in an unknown environment. That's why I found this book very convenient for people who want to get into business management.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: Currently I am studying for the LSAT (Law School Aptitude Test) The major section on the test is logical reasoning. I have read many books from LSAT books to books on critical reasoning. This book has finally made everything clear to me. It presents topics in understandable language, with excellent questions to ask as you read or hear an argument. If you are preparing for any test such as LSAT or GMAT or just want to be able to understand arguments that you hear on TV or editorials in newspapers or political speaches, get this book.
Rating:
Summary: An essential tool for daily living
Review: Every day each of us is faced with a myriad of decisions, some big, some small. Learning to successfully navigate the waters of decision making does not come naturally; rather, it requires important tools. Asking the Right Questions provides such tools. Whether I am reading a book, watching the news, or simply interacting with others, I am constantly using the skills taught in this book to evaluate other's arguments, to form my own opinions, to construct my own arguments, and to better understand the world around me. In fact, I cannot think of a single aspect of my life where the skills taught herein are not invaluable. One of the strengths of the book is that it is interactive. Not only does the book teach you to think and read actively, but the authors demand such engagement as you go along. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to possess essential tools for evaluating all the information we are bombarded with daily. It's a great book.
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