The term “logic” is used quite a lot, but not always in its technical sense. Logic, strictly speaking, is
the science or study of how to evaluate arguments and reasoning. Logic is what allows us to
distinguish correct reasoning from poor reasoning. Logic is important because it helps us reason
correctly — without correct reasoning, we don’t have a viable means for knowing the truth or arriving
at sound beliefs.
Logic is not a matter of opinion: when it comes to evaluating arguments, there are specific principles
and criteria which should be used. If we use those principles and criteria, then we are using logic; if
we aren’t using those principles and criteria, then we are not justified in claiming to use logic or be
logical. This is important because sometimes people don’t realize that what sounds reasonable isn’t
necessarily logical in the strict sense of the word.
Of course, reason can be used well or it can be used poorly — and that is where logic comes in. Over
the centuries, philosophers have developed systematic and organized criteria for the use of reason
and the evaluation of arguments. Those systems are what have become the field of logic within
philosophy — some of it is difficult, some of it is not, but it is all relevant for those concerned with
clear, coherent, and reliable reasoning.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle is generally regarded as the “father” of logic. Others before him
discussed the nature of arguments and how to evaluate them, but he was the one who first created
systematic criteria for doing it. His conception of syllogistic logic remains a cornerstone of the study of
logic even today. Others who have played important roles in the development of logic include Peter
Abelard, William of Occam, Wilhelm Leibniz, Gottlob Frege, Kurt Goedel, and John Venn.
Logic sounds like an esoteric subject for academic philosophers, but the truth of the matter is that
logic is applicable anywhere that reasoning and arguments are being used. Whether the actual subject
matter is politics, ethics, social policies, raising children, or organizing a book collection, we use
reasoning and arguments to arrive at specific conclusions. If we don’t apply the criteria of logic to our
arguments, we cannot trust that our reasoning is sound.
When a politician makes an argument for a particular course of action, how can that argument be
properly evaluated without an understanding of the principles of logic? When a salesman makes a
pitch for a product, arguing that it is superior to the competition, how can we determine whether to
trust the claims if we aren’t familiar with what distinguishes a good argument from a poor one? There
is no area of life where reasoning is completely irrelevant or wasted — to give up on reasoning would
mean to give up on thinking itself.
Of course, the mere fact that a person studies logic doesn’t guarantee that they will reason well, just
as a person who studies a medical textbook won’t necessarily make a great surgeon. The correct use
of logic takes practice, not simply theory. On the other hand, a person who never opens a medical
textbook probably won’t qualify as any sort of surgeon, much less a great one; in the same way, a
person who never studies logic in any form probably won’t do a very good job at reasoning as
someone who does study it. This is partly because the study of logic introduces one to many common
mistakes that most people make, and also because it provides a lot more opportunity for a person to
practice what they learn.
It is important to keep in mind that while much of logic appears to be concerned solely with the
process of reasoning and arguing, it is ultimately the product of that reasoning which is the purpose of
logic. Critical analyses of the way an argument is constructed are not offered simply to help improve
the thinking process in the abstract, but rather to help improve the products of that thinking process
— i.e., our conclusions, beliefs, and ideas.
Before you read the article, decide whether you agree or disagree with the following statements
regarding the article. Then after reading the article state again whether you agree or disagree with the
statements.
BEFORE READING
AFTER READING
Agree
Disagree
Agree
Disagree
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After geometry, I will never use logic again.
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Logic is a matter of opinion.
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Aristotle is the father of logic.
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I have used one of John Venn’s strategies in working
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with logic.
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A vacuum salesman will never use logic.