Logic is the skill that enables humans to think clearly, accurately, and
rigorously and so to draw only the inferences that the evidence
warrants. Some people, like scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and
computer programmers, get plenty of on-the-job practice in thinking
logically. The rest of us generally don't.
In this accessible, concise yet comprehensive introduction to a
sometimes-formidable subject, philosopher Keith Parsons presents
elementary topics in logic for people who have little background in
mathematics or science and have no career goals in those fields. Parsons
presupposes no specialized background and strives to introduce even
abstract concepts in an intuitive and unintimidating way. His informal,
conversational style leads the reader painlessly, even entertainingly,
through three essential areas of logic.
The first part of the book deals with sentential and predicate logic, as
well as inductive and scientific reasoning, including inference to the
best explanation. The second part explains basic probability, Bayes'
Theorem, and why thinking about probability is so prone to error and
illusion. The third part considers informal reasoning and critical
thinking, including such topics as rhetoric, fallacies, political spin,
and the detection of pseudoscience and pseudohistory.
Why be logical? Even if you're a poet, an artist, or just a free spirit,
logic can help you determine the facts behind the political propaganda,
religious claims, advertising, and sales talk that we are all subjected
to. As a logically literate person, you will be a better-informed
citizen, wiser consumer, and a clearer thinker.
