Why Argument Matters

Why Argument Matters
Lee Siegel
RRP:
NZ$ 47.99
Our Price:
NZ$ 38.39
Hardback
h20 x 13mm - 160pg
12 Apr 2022 US
International import eta 10-30 days
9780300244267
Out Of Stock
Currently no stock in-store, stock is sourced to your order

Click to view other formats:
9780300271072 US Paperback $35.70

An impassioned case for argument' s central role in human life, by one of America' s most distinguished cultural critics "An invigorating reflection on the nature and value of disagreement. . . . Sharp and taut. . . . A lesson in a well-constructed argument itself. "-Publishers Weekly, starred review "Perhaps more than any other commentary, Why Argument Matters illuminates the root causes of our partisan, venomous, irrational times-and yet somehow rescues from the morass the true nature of argument, its power and beauty. "-Michael Wolff, author of Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House From Eve' s crafty exchange with the serpent, to Martin Luther King' s soaring, subtle ultimatums, to the throes of Twitter-argument' s drainpipe-the human desire to prevail with words has been not just a moral but an existential compulsion. In this dazzling reformulation of argument, renowned critic Lee Siegel portrays the true art of argument as much deeper and far more embracing than mere quarrel, dispute, or debate. It is the supreme expression of humanity' s longing for a better life, born of empathy and of care for the world and those who inhabit it. With wit, passion, and striking insights, Siegel plumbs the emotional and psychological sources of clashing words, weaving through his exploration the untold story of the role argument has played in societies throughout history. Each life, he maintains, is an argument for that particular way of living; every individual style of argument is also a case that is being made for that person' s right to argue. Argument is at the heart of the human experience, and language, at its most liberated and expressive, inexorably bends toward argument.

Why Acting Matters - (not currently available)
Why Architecture Matters
Why Argument Matters
Why Dance Matters
Why Food Matters
Why the New Deal Matters
Why Trilling Matters - (not currently available)

"Perhaps more than any other commentary, Why Argument Matters illuminates the root causes of our partisan, venomous, irrational times-and yet somehow rescues from the morass the true nature of argument, its power and beauty. "-Michael Wolff, author of Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House "This is inarguably the book for this moment of nonstop contentiousness. Siegel argues convincingly that argument is not only as American as apple pie, it is an expression of the universal desire for improvement, for which argument is a prerequisite. And he demonstrates that judgments about art, which are supposedly somehow beyond argument, are not. "-George F. Will, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist "There is an old saying that the aim of an argument is not victory but progress, which is a mark of humility. Siegel adds that with humility can come playfulness, and a human connection that makes argument not just purposeful but joyful. In these low times, when censorious sanctimony passes for intelligent argument, his book revives an expansive liberal spirit of disagreement without which democracy is doomed. "-Sean Wilentz, Princeton University "Lee Siegel has written an eloquent and intellectually stimulating argument, with far-ranging examples full of witty surprises. It' s balanced, compassionate and wise-a true healer in the current, clamorous moment. "-Phillip Lopate, Columbia University "A book like this has never mattered more. Siegel guides us through the historical and philosophical roots of intellectual sparring with great expertise and an infectious vigor. But more than that, he shows us how argument, when done right, can be among the richest forms of human connection. This is a much-needed treatise from one of the most formidable cultural critics of our time. "-Meghan Daum, author of The Problem With Everything "Why Argument Matters is a robust foray into the nature of argument, from antiquity to the latest culture war clashes. With his impressive range and often thrilling connections, Lee Siegel also makes an argument for himself as one of our most vibrant and least predictable critics. "-Sam Lipsyte, Columbia University
Lee Siegel, the author of six previous books and the recipient of a National Magazine Award for Reviews and Criticism, publishes widely on culture and politics. He lives in Montclair, NJ with his wife and two children.
Status: Active
ISBN-13: 9780300244267
Published: 12 Apr 2022
Published In: United States
Imprint: Yale University Press
Publisher: Yale University Press
Format: Hardback
Height: 20mm
Width: 13mm
Pages: 160

In stock - for items in stock we aim to dispatch the next business day. For delivery in NZ allow 2-5 business days, with rural taking a wee bit longer.

Locally sourced in NZ - stock comes from a NZ supplier with an approximate delivery of 7-15 business days.

International Imports - stock is imported into NZ, depending on air or sea shipping option from the international supplier stock can take 10-30 working days to arrive into NZ. 

Pre-order Titles - delivery will vary depending on where the title is published, if local stock is available in NZ then 5-7 business days, for international imports it can be 10-30 business days. In all cases we will access the quickest supply option.

Delivery Packaging - we ship all items in cardboard sleeves or by box with either packing paper or corn starch chips. (We avoid using plastics bubble bags)

Tracking - Orders are delivered by track and trace courier and are fully insured, tracking information will be sent by email once dispatched.

View our full Order & Delivery information

Details of the product above will be automatically included with your enquiry.