Basics of Logic

Description

It is generally accepted that logic—originally defined as "the word" or "what is spoken"—invokes the methodical examination of how arguments are constructed. An argument is considered to be legitimate when there is a clear relationship of logical support between its premises and its conclusion. No one can agree on the precise boundaries and topics of logic, but historically, these have included argument classification, a systematic presentation of the "logical form" shared by all convincing arguments, the study of inference, including fallacies, and the study of semantics, including paradoxes. Historically, philosophy and mathematics have studied logic; more recently, computer science, linguistics, psychology, and other sciences have done the same. The book is on logic and discusses a variety of topics related to it, including the general nature of the inquiry, the use of analogies in arguments, mathematical reasoning, etc. Both those who are interested in logic and logic students will find this book to be of great value.