Books like Contemporary & classic arguments by Sylvan Barnet

Contemporary & Classic Arguments presents a wide-ranging anthology that juxtaposes modern ethical dilemmas with timeless philosophical treatises. Part I features concise, opposing viewpoints on pressing issues such as affirmative action, cell‑phone use while driving, library censorship, gay marriage, and gun control. Part II gathers case studies on the death penalty, drug legalization, the just war tradition, privacy limits, sexual harassment, and torture, each including legal excerpts and expert commentary. Part III revisits foundational arguments from Plato, Thomas More, Machiavelli, Swift, Jefferson, and others, illustrating how classic reasoning continues to inform current debates. The book is designed for students, educators, and anyone interested in critical thinking, argumentation, and persuasion. It serves as a practical resource for classroom discussion, debate preparation, and the study of rhetoric across disciplines.

First publish date: 2004