Media reviews

An incisive philosopher.

— Sunday Telegraph

Synopsis

In the daily battle for our hearts and minds—not to mention our hard-earned cash—the truth is usually the first casualty. It’s time we learned how to see through the rhetoric, faulty reasoning, and misinformation that we’re subjected to from morning to night by talk-radio hosts, op-ed columnists, advertisers, self-help gurus, business “thinkers”, and, of course, politicians. And no one is better equipped to show us how than award-winning philosopher Jamie Whyte.

In Crimes Against Logic Whyte take us on a fast-paced, ruthlessly funny romp through the mulligan stew of can, folderol, and bogus logic served up in the media, at the office, and even in your own home. Applying his laserlike wit to dozens of timely examples, Whyte cuts through the haze of facts, figures, and double-talk and gets at the real truth behind what they’re telling us.

Amazon reviews

Dr Neil MacNeill

★★★★★  A great intro to conversation and argument

Jamie Whyte has written a very interesting and engaging book about logic and fallacies. In an inexpensive, easy-to-read text he has managed to provide a topical and pertinent coverage of issues that influence everyday conversations.

I was particularly impressed with Whyte’s ability to use examples to which most people can relate. His father’s repetitive after-dinner statement in New Zealand- “You won’t get food like this in England”, although probably correct, was clearly grating to others. Then his Mum interjected with a question about Bistro gravy mix. Ahhh, the analysis of the inter-change is the real stuff of logic!

In bringing an essentially dry subject (logic) to the ordinary folk, Whyte uses a variety of successful strategies. I thought that his development of provocative labels was a master stroke. Hooray words, weasel words, and boo words are now accepted in conversations.

If you are interested in philosophy, linguistics or just thinking about conversations, this is a great book.