Books by Douglas N. Walton

This book offers a new theory of begging the question as an informal fallacy, within a pragmatic framework of reasoned dialogue as a normative theory of critical argumentation. Walton analyzes the concept of burden of proof in argument, and provides chapters on the use of argument diagramming as a technique of argument reconstruction.

The book contains a discussion of such well-recognized fallacies as many questions, black-or-white questions, loaded questions, circular arguments, question-begging assertions and epithets, ad hominem and tu quoque arguments, ignoratio elenchi, and replying to a question with a question.

Walton suggests that they can, and ultimately defends the thesis that ad hominem reasoning is not fallacious per se. As suggested by the title, the conclusion of ad hominem argument is demonstrated to be relative to the arguer's position.

In the final chapter, Walton shows how his method functions in light of the real-life complexities of the clinical encounter and how it bears on ethical questions concerning health-care policy, attitudes toward treatment and toward the medical profession, reasonableness of expectations, and the setting of realistic goals of treatment.

?Very good introduction to ethical issues raised in Intensive Care Units (ICU) surrounding decisions of whether to continue or stop medical treatments. Written by a philosopher and known author on these issues, this volume covers common ethical theories, definitions of death illustrated with legal cases, the concept of decision making for or against continuing medical treatment in ICUs, and the patient, family, and physician as potential decision makers in such situations.?-Choice

A well-organized, thoughtful, and logical discussion of a difficult ethical issue frequently encountered by clinicians. Journal of the American Medical Association Walton has made a successful attempt to write about medical concerns without ever leaving the layperson to flounder in confusion.