Traditional Logic I Text

by Martin Cothran

A logic course for all ages, but designed for use as young as 7th grade, Traditional Logic is an in-depth study of the classical syllogism. Along with a basic understanding of the Christian theory of knowledge, the text presents the four kinds of logical statements, the four ways propositions can be opposed, the three ways in which they can be equivalent, and the seven rules for the validity of syllogisms. This comprehensive but easy to use course can be used as either a one-semester or one-year course.

Genres: Logic, Education, Philosophy, School

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2000

Reviews

[Abilene Mack · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely terrible. So much worse than the previous logic book I read (Which was amazing). We honestly should just re-read that one instead. This one gives less information, presents it worse, and is altogether completely and utterly inferior. Also it is actually incorrect in some parts. The student workbook is also terrible, because it seems like it’s quizzing us on the book, rather than the things it teaches.

[Rebekah Theilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used in combination with the DVD’s which made all the difference.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son took this course for homeschooling this year. He was just 13yo when he started it. He said the DVDs were very helpful. (I don't have them and will purchase them for my next child. He saw them online with a self-paced course offered free because of COVID promotions through Memoria Press.) I wanted to learn with him. I think doing the daily exercises would have helped me immensely in my understanding. I had to re-read chapters to gain any elementary understanding, since the ideas are so new to me. I can see, though, even from my rudimentary grasp of the subject, how invaluable logic is as a subject to arrange one's thinking in an orderly way and give a person categories for thought--what ideas are contradictory, etc. I'll try to give a more thorough review on my blog sometime and link it back to here, as to why we chose this text over some of the others in the classical curriculum world. This was exactly what we wanted for logic. The only negative I'd offer is that the teaching style is very traditional (translate: boring) and doesn't inspire much "wonder." It is very nuts and bolts, which is fine for the subject of logic, I guess! The two subjects I've used with MP for which I've seen the teachers on DVD have been thorough and well-organized, but the teachers have been dry. ABeka's teachers are much more lively (but of course, they don't teach logic or Latin, which is what I used MP for.)


2022: I read this with my second son while teaching him. Have the DVDs now, but he actually doesn’t like watching them and prefers just reading. He got a little confused on the chapter about obversion and contraposition, but so do I. :) My comprehension was MUCH faster this second time around!

[Calvin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate it with a passion. It's the worst book I've ever seen. I don't even see why we're using it in our school. The person who made this book, especially the work book, is lazy. There are several patterns in the workbook that allow me to answer the questions without knowing anything about the question or the answer. I hate it more than Latin, and I really don't like Latin. I wish I could just throw the book away. Go read James B. Nance and Douglas Wilson's Logic books instead. Those are real Logic books. Link to a review of James B. Nance and Douglas Wilson's Logic book that covers the same stuff in this book: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homesch...#

[Gillie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book rather tedious. Another reviewer has referred to it as being ‘boring.’ I happen to agree with this.
I also feel that the words come from a place of arrogance & I could feel the condescension when reading certain prose.

[Ava B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Embarrassingly disappointing, I’m afraid. It’s with regret that I write with such disdain about a book that I had such high hopes for.
I found the author’s arguments to be bordering on imbecilic at times.
The other times, the text was just boring & asinine

[Sally · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear! What an utter waste of time.
The author appears to be rather narrow minded, dismissive of people’s actual lived experiences & obtuse.

[Elizabeth Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent classical logic text.

[Jktmauk · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few true logic textbooks (instead of most books that are basically word games). TL is great way to learn logic with some interesting examples, but it is a real logic course so it is pretty challenging. I think it is really a high school book, maybe 8th grade with the DVDs and a bright student. (I think the author recommends 7th and up)

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid logic textbook, with some bizarre emphases here and there (he stresses the use of a Latin poem as an exercise in reducing syllogisms of other figures, a process that Sister Miriam Joseph in her book on the trivium describes as a "ingenious exercise of no practical value"). The focus is definitely on the Aristotelian logical system. Good if used with a critical eye.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the text I used for my Traditional Logic class this year. I have been happy with the text. I think it explains things well, has good definitions, and is easy to read. There's a lot of repetition, which I think is important when teaching younger grades. Overall I've been happy with it.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still reading through it but not bad.

[Michael]

December 5, 2015