Logic For Dummies

by Mark Zegarelli

Overview

An accessible resource to help you puzzle out logic concepts

Logic For Dummies, 2nd Edition explains all the varied ways we use logic in philosophy, science, and everyday life. College students taking a logic course and lifelong learners alike can benefit from this accessible guide to logic concepts—such as syllogisms, constructing proofs and refutations, propositional and predicate logic, symbolic logic, modal and fuzzy logic, deductive and inductive reasoning, and beyond. With real-world examples, fun logic problems, and fully worked out proofs, you have plenty of opportunities to follow along and apply what you've learned. Logic For Dummies, 2nd Edition helps you connect the logical dots!

Inside:

• Grasp formal and informal logic with clear explanations and practice problems
• See how logic shows up in everyday life and discover how to spot logical fallacies
• Work through logical proofs and refutations, with answer explanations to strengthen your understanding
• Sharpen your ability to reason through complex issues with truth tables

Logic For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the logical choice for anyone who wants or needs to learn the concepts, theories, and formulas of logical reasoning.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394362356
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	10/06/2025
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	416
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Mark Zegarelli is a math teacher and professional writer who holds degrees in Mathematics and English from Rutgers University. He’s the author of Fractions For Dummies, Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies, and Basic Math & Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Part I: Overview of Logic.

Chapter 1: What Is This Thing Called Logic?

Chapter 2: Logical Developments from Aristotle to the Computer.

Chapter 3: Just for the Sake of Argument.

Part II: Formal Sentential Logic (SL).

Chapter 4: Formal Affairs.

Chapter 5: The Value of Evaluation.

Chapter 6: Turning the Tables: Evaluating Statements with Truth Tables.

Chapter 7: Taking the Easy Way Out: Creating Quick Tables.

Chapter 8: Truth Grows on Trees.

Part III: Proofs, Syntax, and Semantics in SL.

Chapter 9: What Have You Got to Prove?

Chapter 10: Equal Opportunities: Putting Equivalence Rules to Work.

Chapter 11: Big Assumptions with Conditional and Indirect Proofs.

Chapter 12: Putting It All Together: Strategic Moves to Polish Off Any Proof.

Chapter 13: One for All and All for One.

Chapter 14: Syntactical Maneuvers and Semantic Considerations.

Part IV: Quantifier Logic (QL).

Chapter 15: Expressing Quantity with Quality: Introducing Quantifier Logic.

Chapter 16: QL Translations.

Chapter 17: Proving Arguments with QL.

Chapter 18: Good Relations and Positive Identities.

Chapter 19: Planting a Quantity of Trees.

Part V: Modern Developments in Logic.

Chapter 20: Computer Logic.

Chapter 21: Sporting Propositions: Non-Classical Logic.

Chapter 22: Paradox and Axiomatic Systems.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 23: Ten Quotes about Logic.

Chapter 24: Ten Big Names in Logic.

Chapter 25: Ten Tips for Passing a Logic Exam.

Index.