Lecture 5 Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is logic the foundation of?
Rational thinking—used to form conclusions, make decisions, analyze arguments, and detect inconsistencies.
What are the three main perspectives on what logic is about?
Logic as language, logic as thought, and logic as a system of facts and entities (objects).
How is logic connected to language?
Logic is expressed through language using statements, premises, and conclusions.
Why can language be problematic in logic?
Language can be ambiguous or imprecise, leading to confusion or misinterpretation.
What does formal logic use to eliminate ambiguity?
Symbolic notation.
What is the key point about logic and language?
Language is essential for logic, but imprecision in language can lead to confusion.
What is internal reasoning?
The mental process of thinking logically and clearly.
What is the fallacy of affirming the consequent?
Mistakenly concluding “If p then q; q, therefore p”, e.g., “She wears a white coat, so she must be a doctor.”
How is logic used in science and law?
In science, to construct and test hypotheses; in law, to connect facts with legal conclusions.
What is a classic syllogism example?
All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Can logic produce false conclusions?
Yes, if the premises are false, even perfect logic can lead to incorrect conclusions.
Example of a logically valid but false argument?
All birds can talk (false). A parrot is a bird. Therefore, a parrot can talk.
What does being a logical thinker require?
Clear language, careful and critical thinking, and a solid grasp of real-world context.
