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 in their daily lives. New to This Edition bull; bull;The sixth edition has a new organization, with the chapters arranged in three sections: Principles, Tools, and Applications. bull;Chapters 1 through 3 have been restructured and shortened, making them a more fluid and understandable introduction to argumentation. bull;An increased emphasis on decision making rather than debating keeps the text away from the highly aggressive, adversarial tone of some other texts. bull;Chapter 3 now includes a discussion of post-modern and feminist approaches to argumentation and shows that argumentation is valuable not only to those who are aggressive but also to everyone else.