How Do We Reason?: An Introduction to Logic

by Forrest E. Baird

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830855155
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	04/20/2021
Series:	Questions in Christian Philosophy
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Forrest E. Baird (PhD, Claremont Graduate University) is emeritus professor of philosophy at Whitworth University. He is the editor of the Philosophic Classics anthology, including Ancient Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, Nineteenth-Century Philosophy, Twentieth-Century Philosophy, Asian Philosophy, and From Plato to Derrida.

Table of Contents

Series Introduction: Questions in Christian Philosophy vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xvii

1 Introducing Logic 1

Unit I Sentences

2 The Functions of Language 23

3 Informal Fallacies 47

Unit II Syllogisms

4 Standard-Form Categorical Propositions 83

5 Standard-Form Categorical Syllogisms 93

6 Syllogisms in Ordinary Language 120

Unit III Symbols

7 Symbols and Statements 151

8 Symbols and Arguments 167

Answers for Selected Assignments 209

Subject Index 244

What People are Saying About This

David Baggett

"Chock full of real-life and timely examples, judiciously calibrated and measured in scope, this altogether student-friendly and accessible primer for learning—and learning well—the rudimentary principles of logic hits just the right note. An ideal choice for an introductory logic course, it can serve as at least a partial antidote to a cultural moment rife with strong emotion and unbridled passion but too often conspicuously deficient in intellectual rigor. Baird would make John Wesley proud! Warmly recommended."

Paul Copan

"How Do We Reason? is an informative, accessible, practical, and lucid guide to logical reasoning—a fresh and insightful resource for a new generation of thoughtful Christians."

Editorial Reviews

"Chock full of real-life and timely examples, judiciously calibrated and measured in scope, this altogether student-friendly and accessible primer for learning—and learning well—the rudimentary principles of logic hits just the right note. An ideal choice for an introductory logic course, it can serve as at least a partial antidote to a cultural moment rife with strong emotion and unbridled passion but too often conspicuously deficient in intellectual rigor. Baird would make John Wesley proud! Warmly recommended."

David Baggett

"How Do We Reason? is an informative, accessible, practical, and lucid guide to logical reasoning—a fresh and insightful resource for a new generation of thoughtful Christians."

Paul Copan