A review by cer15712
Give Them an Argument: Logic for the Left by Ben Burgis
3.0
This book was a rollercoaster. Its premise is excellent, and the first few sections follow an educational, easy to understand pattern: introduction of a fallacy or logical term, real life examples, conclusion. His takedown of Ben Shapiro, especially his dissection of Shapiro's debate advice, is where Burgis is most in his element.
Bafflingly, however, Burgis inserts a four page meander into Soviet history and Trotskyism in the middle of the book, and never quite recovers his initial message. One chapter uses Nate Silver as a case study, but comes off more as a hit piece against him. The book ends suddenly with little conclusion, which was a letdown.
While this book has a lot of promise, Burgis could stand to tighten up his message, get a better copyeditor and tone down the "Chapo Trap House" style of writing. If made more accessible, "Logic For The Left" could be a powerful tool.
Bafflingly, however, Burgis inserts a four page meander into Soviet history and Trotskyism in the middle of the book, and never quite recovers his initial message. One chapter uses Nate Silver as a case study, but comes off more as a hit piece against him. The book ends suddenly with little conclusion, which was a letdown.
While this book has a lot of promise, Burgis could stand to tighten up his message, get a better copyeditor and tone down the "Chapo Trap House" style of writing. If made more accessible, "Logic For The Left" could be a powerful tool.