{x} Note to the Fifth Edition

Rulebook continues to find a wide use in a variety of schools, from high school to law school, and in other settings too. The world continues to change as well. In this fifth edition there are several corresponding changes. Most notably, I have added a new final chapter, “Public Debates,” which repositions a few of the old rules but mostly adds new ones. The state of our public debate at the moment is pretty sorry, and while this surely has many causes, a better understanding of the etiquette and the ethics of good public debate should help. Six short rules—but what a difference they might make!

Smaller changes include a number of updated examples, drawing on a wider and more contemporary range of sources. Goodbye Einstein, hello Beyoncé. This edition is a little fresher, a little tighter, a bit more humorous. Some of the rules have acquired punchy subtitles. This is no time to be timid about the need for good arguments and better ways of arguing, either, so you may find this new edition somewhat edgier as well.

For instructors and students who may be interested, I am happy to add that a companion textbook to A Rulebook for Arguments is now available. David Morrow and I have written it ourselves: A Workbook for Arguments. Workbook includes the entire Rulebook, but between each section of this brief guide, Workbook interpolates further explanations and extensive examples and exercises, with a thorough selection of sample answers as well. Many thanks to Professor Morrow for convincing me and Hackett Publishing Company of the need for and appeal of such a textbook, and then doing the lion’s share of the work on it, carrying it now through two editions (first edition 2013; second edition 2016). David’s insights and suggestions have helped shape this new edition of Rulebook as well.

Among related changes is that a few of the more challenging examples and themes in previous editions of Rulebook, most notably philosopher David Hume’s challenges to some of the usual arguments for the existence of God, are migrating to Workbook, where they can be treated in more depth. In many ways, Workbook is a {xi} natural follow-up to Rulebook, even if you are not in a class that requires it. We hope you will have a look.

By now it is a long list of colleagues, students, family members, and friends who have contributed thoughts, suggestions, or provocations to this and previous editions of Rulebook. This time around I would like to single out Deborah Wilkes, president and publisher, and her colleagues at Hackett Publishing Company, whose stalwart support and gentle encouragement has made both Rulebook and Workbook continuously enjoyable and superlatively produced projects. My continuing gratitude to you all!

Anthony Weston

July 2017