Publishers Weekly
★ 12/20/2021
Critic Siegel (Against the Machine) offers an invigorating reflection on the nature and value of disagreement. Arguments are central to human imagination, he writes, and a “true argument” consists of two aspects: “an intense concern for the matter at hand that extends beyond merely winning or losing...and the ability to live the thoughts and emotions behind the counterargument.” In Siegel’s view, arguments are different from disputes, debates, and quarrels—they’re “justifications for ways of living,” and, “like art,” are creative processes that take root when alone. He cites several surprising examples to prove his point: Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own and René Descartes’s A Discourse on Method, both of which were conceived in solitude. Siegel also covers the rhetorical turns of Barack Obama’s speeches and John Locke’s thoughts on logic, and explores whether art is an argument in and of itself (“The proof that art is... lies in the degree to which a work of art gives rise to argument”). Whereas the concept of argumentation is often seen in terms of combat and victory, Siegel suggests, the “most relentless, intellectually merciless arguments are acts of caring about the world” because they are in service of working toward a better life. This sharp and taut outing is a lesson in a well-constructed argument itself. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
[A] bold change of perspective. . . . When Siegel writes that ‘to exist is to argue your existence’ . . . he makes an important point.”—Costica Bradatan, Commonweal“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“By exploring the significance of argument for both individuals and society, Lee Siegel’s Why Argument Matters reminds us why to be human is to argue—and why that is something to celebrate.”—Matthew Stewart, Public Discourse“Original, provocative. . . . Eloquent and impassioned.”—Micah Mattix, Spectator World“This tautly constructed book introduces a new way of thinking about argument, first by focusing on argument as an art (Part One) and then by examining art as a form of argument (Part Two). Those who read it with care will gain a deeper appreciation for the art of argument, as well as for the art of living.”—Rebecca Ruth Gould, Medium“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: My Journey Through the New Culture Wars “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
