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Questions in Christian Philosophy
How Do We Reason?: An Introduction to Logic
How do we think? What does a faithful use of logic look like? Without even pausing to think about it, we exercise our capacity for rational thought. But how exactly does logic work? What makes some arguments valid and others not? In this Questions in Christian Philosophy volume, philosopher Forrest Baird offers an introduction to logic. He considers the basic building blocks of human reason, including types of arguments, fallacies, syllogisms, symbols, and proofs, all of which are demonstrated with exercises for students throughout. In addition, he reflects on the relationship between the use of reason and the Christian faith. With this academic but accessible primer, readers will be introduced to the basics of logic―and encouraged to reason better. The Questions in Christian Philosophy Series features introductory textbooks that offer students a Christian perspective on the various branches of philosophy, enabling them as they seek to understand all facets of life including existence, knowledge, ethics, art, and more.
264 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 31, 2022
Here’s a fine, accessible resource to help us in getting a handle on reasoning logically. Since we live in an age where shouting louder has replaced clear reasoning as a way to propel arguments, this is especially needed today. It’s fair also to observe that Christians don’t always hold logic in as a high regard as should be as we live in the created world of our reasonable God. To be sure, a lot of good theology is based on the fact that we have a reasonable God Who is never illogical. What He does might be counterintuitive to us, but the more you delve into His ways they never violate clear principles of logic. In this book, don’t miss the preface that fully develops what I said above.
The first chapter introducing logic is worth the price of the book. Since formally, logic is about making arguments, that chapter so carefully lays out what kinds of arguments there are as it also establishes what is legitimate. That chapter alone would make you reason better.
Chapter 3 is one of the most important in the book and would revolutionize logical discussion were it grasped. Particularly, notice the discussion of fallacies of ambiguity and relevance. This section might help you not embarrass yourself!
The book moves from sentences to syllogisms to symbols. Since this book could be used as a textbook (fortunately without textbook pricing!), it is true that the complexity grows. If you want a basic understanding and be able to be reasonable in your logic you will need roughly the first half of the book. If you want to really master the subject, the whole book will be a godsend to you.
Though I said it could be a textbook, this book is still perfectly designed for the individual reader. The exercises throughout the book will easily help you see if you are catching on or need to re-read. Some of the examples will raise a smile, but will still help you get it.
This book is written by a Christian. Though he writes mostly about the subject itself, that Christian background makes you feel in trusty hands. I’ve long wanted a book like this and am glad to have this one!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The first chapter introducing logic is worth the price of the book. Since formally, logic is about making arguments, that chapter so carefully lays out what kinds of arguments there are as it also establishes what is legitimate. That chapter alone would make you reason better.
Chapter 3 is one of the most important in the book and would revolutionize logical discussion were it grasped. Particularly, notice the discussion of fallacies of ambiguity and relevance. This section might help you not embarrass yourself!
The book moves from sentences to syllogisms to symbols. Since this book could be used as a textbook (fortunately without textbook pricing!), it is true that the complexity grows. If you want a basic understanding and be able to be reasonable in your logic you will need roughly the first half of the book. If you want to really master the subject, the whole book will be a godsend to you.
Though I said it could be a textbook, this book is still perfectly designed for the individual reader. The exercises throughout the book will easily help you see if you are catching on or need to re-read. Some of the examples will raise a smile, but will still help you get it.
This book is written by a Christian. Though he writes mostly about the subject itself, that Christian background makes you feel in trusty hands. I’ve long wanted a book like this and am glad to have this one!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 26, 2024
Just okay. Baird's teaching style didn't really capture me, nor do I think he brought anything unique to the table in this discipline. What really ground my gears were the ambiguous exercises that had so many "right" answers. Working through this alone would be tough, so I'm thankful I had a teacher curate the material. Not great for an introduction, but there were still some worthwhile bits. 1st time read. 2/5.
May 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It can be a good primer or refresher on the basics of logic.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews