Beginning Logic

by E.J. Lemmon

The aim of this book is to provide an exposition of elementary formal logic. The course, which is primarily intended for first-year students who have no previous knowledge of the subject, forms a working basis for more advanced reading and is presented in such a way as to be intelligible to the layman. The nature of logic is examined with the gradual introduction of worked samples showing how to distinguish the sound statement from the unsound. Arguments whose soundness cannot be proved by propositional calculus are discussed, and it is shown how formalization can reveal the logical form of arguments. The final section of the book deals with the application of the predicate calculus as applied in various other fields of logic.

Genres: Philosophy, Logic, Nonfiction, School, Mathematics, Science, Reference

Hardcover

First published December 1, 1965

Reviews

[Nathan Ormond · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general a very good introduction to logic. Perhaps a little outdated now. I generally find natural deduction a bit frustrating when other methods seem to follow a simpler and less error-prone algorithm and are easier to learn! Also the layout of the book is terrible which doesnt do justice to some of the brilliant content. Some terminology is deliberately used in an incorrect way just for this book, for example validity and soundness; there is no good reason to do this and it just adds to someones confusion as they are learning the subject.
On the positive side lots of exercises... on the negative side no answers!

[Rickeclectic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good beginning textbook on logic. I used it for course I helped teach long ago. Moves at a reasonable pace. Probably easier to learn than most logic books covering symbolic logic, but may still need the help of a teacher or logic friend.

[Wendy Wolpert-DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemmon is clear, concise, and no nonsense in his presentation of using well-formed formulas and rules to create a comprehensive system of symbolic logic.

[Gregg Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry

[Nataliia Viatkina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a really good textbook for beginners among other good textbooks for beginners!

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explains in a very clear way how to use propositional calculus in order to verify the validity of an argument. There are still some things I have difficulty with, and I might have to read some more stuff in order to be ready for my exam in logic on Feb 3rd.

[Travis Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely gave a solid foundation for later proofs-based classes.

[Quentin]

Relationship status: complicated. All things considered, it is not a bad text. The information is there. The old 50s era sexism should be eliminated.

[Abbey Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. All concepts are broken down in a very clear way.

[Reena]

great intro to logic