The World's Best Book Summaries
What exactly is meant by the term “pseudo-profound bullsh*t”? Why do people find it so difficult to admit their ignorance? Pseudo-profound bullsh*t is a class of long-winded assertions that sound profound yet are meaningless. In his book The Art of Thinking Clearly, Rolf Dobelli calls it the “twaddle tendency” and attributes it to group membership. Keep reading to learn about the phenomenon of pseudo-profound bullsh*t.
What is logos in the context of persuasion? How can you use logos to evaluate an argument? Logos is used in persuasive arguments to convey logic and reason. Alternatively, you can use logos to evaluate an argument. There are three aspects of a rhetorical fallacy that you should keep an eye out for: weak proof, a bad conclusion, or a proof-conclusion disconnect. Here’s how to evaluate an argument and identify faulty logic using logos.
What is social programming? Where does social programming stem from? In his book Games People Play, Dr. Eric Berne says that people play different kinds of social games depending on their social programming. This programming can come from multiple sources including culture and genetics. Here’s how social programming drives social interactions.
What is ethos in the context of persuasion? How do you use ethos to evaluate a persuasive argument? Ethos is used to gain credibility and trust in a persuasive argument. However, it can be used for more than just writing a persuasive essay—you can use ethos to judge the arguments of others. The three things you need to look out for are the virtue, level of interest, and practical wisdom of the speaker. Here’s how to use ethos to judge an argument.
What is the in-group, out-group bias? Why do we prioritize people who belong to our in-group? In-group, out-group bias is the tendency to favor and give preferential treatment to members of the same group. By categorizing yourself as a member of a group, you make that membership part of your identity and thus focus on its positive traits. Here’s why people tend to prioritize their in-group, according to Rolf Dobelli, the author of The Art of Thinking Clearly.
What is logos in the context of persuasion? How do you use logos in a persuasive argument? Logos, in terms of a persuasive argument, is appealing to the audience’s logic or reason. Jay Heinrichs, the author of Thank You for Arguing, outlines four steps for using logos to your advantage. Here’s how to use logos in a persuasive argument.
What is ethos in the context of persuasion? How can you use the three elements of ethos to make a persuasive argument? Ethos is used in persuasive arguments to establish trustworthiness and credibility as a speaker or writer. There are three essential elements to developing ethos: virtue, personal disinterest, and practical wisdom. Keep reading to learn about the three building blocks of ethos and how to use them in a persuasive argument.
What is the psychology behind reciprocity? Why do we feel the need to reciprocate benevolent behavior? In social psychology, reciprocity is the tendency to return a favor or a benevolent action with another benevolent action. According to Rolf Dobelli, the author of The Art of Thinking Clearly, this phenomenon is a by-product of the human need to belong to a group. Keep reading to learn about the phenomenon of reciprocity, why it occurs, and how it’s used as a tool for manipulation.
What is a persuasive argument? What are the key building blocks of an argument that is meant to persuade? A persuasive argument consists of three steps: choosing a goal, choosing a tense, and choosing an appeal. In a persuasive argument, you’ll typically use Aristotle’s three classical persuasive appeals—ethos, logos, and pathos—to achieve your goal. Continue below to learn how to construct a persuasive argument.
What is Jay Heinrichs’s Thank You for Arguing about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book Thank You for Arguing, Jay Heinrichs explains not only how to persuade people to do what you want, but also how to help opposing groups find common ground, get a bully to talk himself down, and spot the faulty logic others use to manipulate you. He also discusses the importance of teaching rhetoric in schools. Here’s a brief overview of the key themes.