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 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Logic 5

Chapter 1: Taking a Logical Perspective 7

Chapter 2: Following Logical Developments from Aristotle to AI 17

Chapter 3: Just for the Sake of Argument 35

Part 2: Flourishing with Formal Sentential Logic 61

Chapter 4: Engaging with Formal Affairs 63

Chapter 5: Embracing the Value of Evaluation 87

Chapter 6: Turning the Tables: Evaluating Statements with Truth Tables 101

Chapter 7: Taking the Easy Way Out: Creating Quick Tables 121

Chapter 8: Knowing How Truth Grows on Trees 137

Part 3: Exploring Proofs, Syntax, and Semantics in SL 159

Chapter 9: Providing Proof for What You Propose 161

Chapter 10: Applying Equivalence Rules 177

Chapter 11: Making Big Assumptions with Conditional and Indirect Proof 195

Chapter 12: Polishing Off Your Proofs 207

Chapter 13: Putting Operators in Their Place 229

Chapter 14: Syntactical Maneuvers and Semantic Considerations 237

Part 4: Questing After Quantification Logic 247

Chapter 15: Expressing Quantity with Quality: Quantification Logic 249

Chapter 16: Embracing QL Translations 263

Chapter 17: Proving Arguments with QL 275

Chapter 18: Expanding Logical Relations 301

Chapter 19: Planting a Quantity of Truth Trees 315

Part 5: Meditating on Modern Developments in Logic 327

Chapter 20: Computer Logic 329

Chapter 21: Sporting Propositions: Non-classical Logic 341

Chapter 22: Paradox and Axiomatic Systems 357

Part 6: The Part of Tens 369

Chapter 23: Ten (or So) Quotes about Logic 371

Chapter 24: Ten Big Names in Logic 373

Chapter 25: Ten Tips for Passing a Logic Exam 377

Index 383