1. Introduction to Logic start a new RAW Book entry (#7)
Classical Humanities
Introduction to Logic start a new RAW Book entry (#7)

2. Logic is… A particular method of argumentation.
A tool to develop reasonable conclusions based on a given set of data.
A tool to deal very specifically with information in its purest form.
Free of emotion.
Based on verifiable facts.

3. Logic Used in everyday thinking and argument analysis.
Consists of two types of reasoning (thinking):
Deductive
Inductive

4. Deductive Logic All English teachers are boring. (premise #1)
Uses information from a large set and applies that information to a specific part of that set.
All English teachers are boring. (premise #1)
Mrs. Payne is an English teacher. (premise #2)
Therefore, Mrs. Payne is boring. (conclusion)

5. Inductive Logic
Uses specific data to form a larger, general conclusion.
Considered the opposite of deductive reasoning.
Yesterday I left for school at 7:50 am and made it here on time. (premise #1)
Today I left for school at 7:50 am and made it here on time. (premise #2)
Therefore, if I leave for school at 7:50 am, I will always make it here on time. (conclusion)

6. Problems?
Deductive reasoning only works when both premises are true. Using words like 'all' will generally falsify your statement (only one example of the contrary is needed). However, if you use words like 'many' or 'some,' it is less likely that your premises will be rejected. So, when using this type of reasoning, make sure your premises are verifiable.
Inductive reasoning requires lots of data. The more data you present, the easier it is for your reader to make the necessary leap to your conclusion. The more data, the shorter the leap. Two data points regarding driving time are not enough. Those days happened to be sunny and clear. There were no school buses. There were no accidents. There were no barfing toddlers.

7. Now you try!
Deductive Logic All dogs are mammals. (premise #1) Some carnivores are dogs. (premise #2) Therefore, some carnivores are mammals. (c0nclusion) Write a deductive argument of your own!