Following is a sampling of Vincent Ryan Ruggiero’s best-known books, with comments from reviewers.
Following is a sampling of Vincent Ryan Ruggiero’s best-known books, with comments from reviewers.
Corrupted Culture:
Rediscovering America’s Enduring Principles, Values, and Common Sense
(Prometheus, 2013).
“Vincent Ruggiero presents a most compelling case for restoring the Western view of human nature. It is an optimistic view—but it’s not overly optimistic. He understands the cultural constraints we all face. But he also gives us what we need to know to overcome these constraints. Ruggiero knows that we are imperfect beings, but we all have the potential for goodness and wisdom. This book will help us get there.”—Anne Hendershott, distinguished visiting professor of public policy, The King’s College
“Vincent Ruggiero skewers Hereditarian social Darwinism and Humanistic Psychology for what he sees as their toxic social legacies. Instead, he calls for realism about the human potential for evil and self-serving bias. And he seeks to reframe our thinking in ways that will renew rationality, enhance meaning and self-transcendence, and promote a healthier social ecology. Few will read this passionate book without finding their own thinking challenged.”—David G. Myers, Hope College, author of A Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists
“Vincent Ruggiero adds additional luster to his past authorship in critical thinking. In our era of academic ignorance and arrogance, he stands as a rare beacon of light. How we need historical analysts, logical thinkers, and moral teachers such as Ruggiero! I highly recommend his latest analysis.”—Judith A. Reisman, PhD, visiting professor of law, Liberty School of Law, and author of Stolen Honor, Stolen Innocence
“This fascinating book is not only suffused with original thought that is artfully framed but also supported by impressive and wide-ranging scholarship. I recommend it for policy makers, students of the behavioral sciences, and the concerned general public. We’ve long needed a book like this.”—W. R. Coulson, PhD, EdD
Becoming a Critical Thinker
(Cengage Learning) has been continuously in print since 2014. Now in a 8thth edition.
Success depends on the ability to think critically. Training and practice turn this ability into a powerful skill. BECOMING A CRITICAL THINKER gives you the opportunity to develop this skill in a classroom environment while stressing its application to daily life. You’ll learn to solve everyday problems, maintain successful relationships, make career choices, and interpret the messages of advertising in a variety of media. Exercises throughout the text encourage you to practice what you read and to apply it to your own life. BECOMING A CRITICAL THINKER breaks up critical thinking into a series of cumulative activities, a unique approach that has made this text a staple of many critical thinking courses.
Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues
(McGraw-Hill) has been continuously in print since 1973. Now in a 10th edition.
Professor Steve Madagaria of California State University Fresno, writes: “. . . [This] is the best book on the subject. Ruggiero has mastered the best way to teach this course . . . The book is perfect.” Professor Ernie Collamati of Regis College writes: “At this point, after many years of using the text, I cannot imagine constructing a foundational ethics course without it. In my search for course texts, I have yet to find anything quite like it. Semesters in and out, students applaud my use of the text. I haven’t encountered a class that did not take to it readily.”
Beyond Feelings: A Guide for Critical Thinking
(McGraw-Hill) has been continuously in print since 1975. Now in a 9th edition, it is also available in a Chinese edition.
Professor James Kruser of Alfred State College writes: “I have looked at several other texts and keep coming back to this one for my survey course. [It] allows a student to read and understand the principles better than the others.” Professor Aimee Ross-Kilroy of Loyola Marymount University writes: “Beyond Feelings is a wise introduction to critical thinking that students can understand and use in their real practice.”
The Art of Thinking
(Pearson) has been continuously in print since 1984. Now in an 11th edition, it is also available in Chinese and Korean editions.
Charles McCoy writes (in an Amazon review): “I first read this marvelous book while doing the research for my book Why Didn’t I Think of That?: Think the Unthinkable and Achieve Creative Greatness. Anyone serious about improving [his/her] thinking capacities simply must read Ruggiero’s book. Used as the primary text in many college level critical and creative thinking courses, “The Art of Thinking” covers both basic and advanced concepts using well designed examples and artfully crafted exercises helping readers to learn both easily and completely. At signing events, and after speaking engagements, when readers of my book ask me to recommend other related works, I always place Ruggiero’s book at the top of the list.”
A Guide to Sociological Thinking
(Sage, 1996). This book is also available in a Turkish edition.
Muriel G. Cantor of the American University writes: “Ruggiero’s book is a refreshing change from the usual supplemental book. Rather than a catalogue of ideas and names, he presents a form of analysis that involves students in the sociological process. This book should make students want to continue to study sociology.” Professor Peter Adler of the University of Denver writes: “This book potentially makes a unique contribution to the field, providing a new perspective for introductory students that is not readily available today. . . Mr. Ruggiero has a surprisingly good sense of sociological enterprise.”
Warning: Nonsense is Destroying America
(Thomas Nelson, 1994)
Film critic Michael Medved wrote: “It’s true that nonsense is hazardous . . . and this eye-opening, intensely logical, and well-researched book is hazardous to the most destructive nonsense of our time. Ruggiero powerfully argues that the most important first steps in dealing with our nation’s problems involve seeing things clearly and then talking about them honestly.“ Professor of Psychiatry Thomas Szasz wrote “[This book is] a carefully considered exposé of the evils of popular culture. I highly recommend this timely and important work.” Sociologist Amitai Etzioni wrote: “This is a very well written book and the most provocative book I have read in many years.” Publisher’s Weekly wrote: “Ruggiero supports his thesis with immense research, sound critical thought and a clear understanding of both contemporary culture trends and the history of ideas.”
Making Your Mind Matter
(Rowman & Littlefield, 2003)
Anthropology professor Peter Wood writes: “Ruggiero gives us an up-to-the-minute guide to recognizing the characteristic fallacies of our time, then expertly offers the practical steps we can take to achieve genuine intellectual independence. Luminous examples bring his excellent practical advice to mind exactly when you need it.” Linguistics professor Tenena Soro writes: “In an era where worksheets and standardized tests dominate our educational system, Ruggiero’s book comes at a propitious time. His WISE approach is an especially valuable tool for problem solving and decision making.”