Logic

While the term “logic” ought to go beyond formal logic, for philosophers it often does not extend very far…

VIRTUES

• Valuable for philosophy majors and popular with science students
• Familiar material for many instructors with philosophy training

VICES

• Not relevant to most of everyday reasoning and civic discourse
• Generally lacks an overarching rationale or purpose

TIPS:

• Typically neglects presumptive argumentation schemes and falls back on the inadequate categories of inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Should count as a specialty subject matter, not general critical thinking, but has dominated Anglo-American conceptions of philosophical reasoning

CLASSIC:

Many older and out of print books; sometimes referred to as “baby logic.”

THE CURRENT OFFERINGS:

Formal logic textbooks are sometimes used to teach CT, but I advise against it. Look instead for an argumentation or comprehensive text that involves and integrates the type of formal logic that you consider important if that’s your priority or expertise.