Logic For Dummies
Description
An accessible resource to help you puzzle out logic concepts
Logic For Dummies, 2nd Edition explains all the varied ways we use logic in philosophy, science, and everyday life. College students taking a logic course and lifelong learners alike can benefit from this accessible guide to logic concepts-such as syllogisms, constructing proofs and refutations, propositional and predicate logic, symbolic logic, modal and fuzzy logic, deductive and inductive reasoning, and beyond. With real-world examples, fun logic problems, and fully worked out proofs, you have plenty of opportunities to follow along and apply what you've learned. Logic For Dummies, 2nd Edition helps you connect the logical dots!
Inside:
- Grasp formal and informal logic with clear explanations and practice problems
- See how logic shows up in everyday life and discover how to spot logical fallacies
- Work through logical proofs and refutations, with answer explanations to strengthen your understanding
- Sharpen your ability to reason through complex issues with truth tables
Logic For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the logical choice for anyone who wants or needs to learn the concepts, theories, and formulas of logical reasoning.
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Mark Zegarelli is a math teacher and professional writer who holds degrees in Mathematics and English from Rutgers University. He's the author of Fractions For Dummies, Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies, and Basic Math & Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies.
Content
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Logic 5
Chapter 1: Taking a Logical Perspective 7
Chapter 2: Following Logical Developments from Aristotle to AI 17
Chapter 3: Just for the Sake of Argument 35
Part 2: Flourishing with Formal Sentential Logic 61
Chapter 4: Engaging with Formal Affairs 63
Chapter 5: Embracing the Value of Evaluation 87
Chapter 6: Turning the Tables: Evaluating Statements with Truth Tables 101
Chapter 7: Taking the Easy Way Out: Creating Quick Tables 121
Chapter 8: Knowing How Truth Grows on Trees 137
Part 3: Exploring Proofs, Syntax, and Semantics in SL 159
Chapter 9: Providing Proof for What You Propose 161
Chapter 10: Applying Equivalence Rules 177
Chapter 11: Making Big Assumptions with Conditional and Indirect Proof 195
Chapter 12: Polishing Off Your Proofs 207
Chapter 13: Putting Operators in Their Place 229
Chapter 14: Syntactical Maneuvers and Semantic Considerations 237
Part 4: Questing After Quantification Logic 247
Chapter 15: Expressing Quantity with Quality: Quantification Logic 249
Chapter 16: Embracing QL Translations 263
Chapter 17: Proving Arguments with QL 275
Chapter 18: Expanding Logical Relations 301
Chapter 19: Planting a Quantity of Truth Trees 315
Part 5: Meditating on Modern Developments in Logic 327
Chapter 20: Computer Logic 329
Chapter 21: Sporting Propositions: Non-classical Logic 341
Chapter 22: Paradox and Axiomatic Systems 357
Part 6: The Part of Tens 369
Chapter 23: Ten (or So) Quotes about Logic 371
Chapter 24: Ten Big Names in Logic 373
Chapter 25: Ten Tips for Passing a Logic Exam 377
Index 383
