Why Study Logic?
FIRST
To the question what is more basic than the three R’s of Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic, we answer THOUGHT. To engage in any one of the three activities, you must think! Thinking, correctly done, follows rules. We think incorrectly, when we neglect those rules. The rules for correct thinking and methods for avoiding mistakes in reasoning belong to the subject of logic.
The study of logic trains the mind to distinguish logical from emotional (psychological) appeals, which may be offered in support of a conclusion or a position. To opt for a course of action by confusing an emotional appeal with a logical appeal is to fall victim to incorrect thinking. It is a fallacy to accept an emotional inference as a necessary inference. Logic is the irreplaceable means for correct thinking and avoiding fallacious reasoning.
THIRD
The structure of man’s mind is the same as his Creator’s. God is not insane; He is a rational being, and the structure of God’s mind is logic. For these reasons, we say not only that logic is irreplaceable and universal, but logic is necessary and fixed. It is not one scheme of things among others. It is not optional. Man’s mind was formed on the principles of identity, excluded middle, and non-contradiction.
To repeat: three reasons for the study of logic are:
- Correct thinking requires it;
- Discerning minds necessarily depend on it; and
- Man is a rational being created in the image of his Creator.
As described in the previous post, Logic is the study of necessary inference. Its elements are propositions that form arguments. A proposition is the meaning of a declarative sentence. An argument is composed of propositions some of which are premises and one of which is the conclusion. Premises are reasons given to support the conclusion of an argument or a position. Arguments are classified as either inductive or deductive. With Deductive Argument, we ask: "Does this conclusion follow as a necessary consequence from these premises?" If the answer is affirmative, the Deductive Argument is valid; otherwise, the argument is invalid. Deductive Arguments are either valid or invalid. If the argument is not invalid, then it is valid. If the argument is not valid, then it is invalid.
Logic is Universal, Necessary, and Irreplaceable.
Man’s mind was formed on the principles of identity, excluded middle, and non-contradiction. These three laws or principles are the basis for all intelligible thought. Without them, all rational discourse vanishes. (See Upcoming Blogic Post on Laws of Logic)
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