Thursday, February 28, 2002

By Kristin Summerford, PR Intern

Wilmington- The idea that logic and critical thinking can be useful in dealing with controversial issues like doctor-assisted suicide and the death penalty is explored in a new book by UNCW professor, Maurice Stanley.

“Logic and Controversy applies logic to whole essays and speeches from magazines, newspapers, and the Internet by such notable individuals as Attorney General John Ashcroft, Colin Powell, even Adolph Hitler. It illustrates how to use logic to show whether an argument, by whomever, is any good,” explained Stanley. After teaching his first logic class, Stanley resolved the problem of how to make logic more interesting to students and began to collect newspaper editorials and magazine articles on a variety of controversial topics. The collection of materials inspired him to write a textbook that includes analysis of argumentative material. “After a careful reading of the essay, I state the main conclusion, the main point of the essay, and then I find the reasons given to back it up. Then, I look for fallacies and arguments that can be expressed as syllogisms or deductive proofs. During this process, hidden premises and invalid arguments become clear,” remarked Stanley.

UNCW students Melanie Moore, Cate Powell, and Jeff Bradley assisted Dr. Stanley in analyzing research information in which Logic and Controversy is based. Jeff Bradley, who is a junior, also wrote an article that is featured in the book. Stanley hopes to incorporate the use of his book in logic class curriculum next fall.

Stanley received his B.S. in mathematics from N.C. State University in 1967 and then went to the UNC-Chapel Hill for his master’s degree and Ph.D. in philosophy. He has taught at UNCW since 1990.

Logic and Controversy, published by Wadsworth is $52.95 and available for online purchase at www.wadworth.com, www.amazon.com, and www.barnes&noble.com. It will be available at the UNCW bookstore and Seahawk bookstore in fall of 2002. A photo of the book jacket is available to download from the Web site www.uncwil.edu/news/releases/february02/stanley.html.