Logic

Logic is the systematic study of the form of valid inference, and the most general laws of truth. A valid inference is one where there is a specific relation of logical support between the assumptions of the inference and its conclusion. In ordinary discourse, inferences may be signified by words such as therefore, hence, ergo, and so on.

There is no universal agreement as to the exact scope and subject matter of logic (see Logic and rationality), but it has traditionally included the classification of arguments, the systematic exposition of the 'logical form' common to all valid arguments, the study of inference, including fallacies, and the study of semantics, including paradoxes. Historically, logic has been studied in philosophy (since ancient times) and mathematics (since the mid-19th century), and recently logic has been studied in computer science, linguistics, psychology, and other fields.

History

The concept of logic has been developed and refined over thousands of years, from ancient civilizations to modern times. The earliest known use of logic is found in the works of ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. In the Middle Ages, logic was further developed by scholars such as Peter Abelard and Thomas Aquinas. In the modern era, logic has been studied in a more formal and mathematical way, with significant contributions from figures such as George Boole, Gottlob Frege, and Bertrand Russell.

Types of Logic

There are several different types of logic, each with its own rules and methods. These include:

• Classical logic, which is based on binary logic, where statements are either true or false.
• Modal logic, which deals with the logical relationships between statements that may be necessary, possible, or impossible.
• Intuitionistic logic, which rejects the principle of the excluded middle, which states that every statement is either true or false.
• Fuzzy logic, which allows for degrees of truth, rather than just true or false.
• Mathematical logic, which applies the techniques of formal logic to mathematics.

Logic and rationality

Logic is often seen as a foundation for rationality. Rational thinking is thinking that is based on reason and logic, as opposed to emotion or prejudice. Logic provides the rules and methods for drawing valid conclusions and making sound decisions. It is a tool that can be used to evaluate arguments and claims, and to create clear and persuasive arguments.

See also

• Philosophy
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Linguistics
• Psychology

References

Logic Resources
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