Routledge Thinking about Logic: Classic Essays

Thinking about Logic is an accessible and thought-provoking collection of classic articles in the philosophy of logic. An ideal companion to any formal logic course or textbook, this volume illuminates how logic relates to perennial philosophical issues about knowledge, meaning, rationality, and reality. The editors have selected each essay for its brevity, clarity, and impact and have included insightful introductions and discussion questions. The puzzles raised will help readers acquire a more thorough understanding of fundamental logic concepts and a firmer command of the connections between formal logic and other areas of philosophical study: epistemology, philosophy of language, philosophy of science, and metaphysics. Review "The editors have compiled a very fine collection of essays on the nature of logic as it relates to broad philosophical concerns. This volume should serve as a valuable tool for students to see the applicability of formal logical techniques and results. It is a useful antidote to what can--and for students often does--seem to be the insulated nature of formal logic." -- David Boersema, Distinguished University Professor, Pacific University "The formal logic that we teach in our introductory classes is simple, elegant, and as this thoughtfully conceived collection reminds us, often extremely puzzling. Thinking about Logic will motivate students to reflect both on fundamental notions of basic logic and on the relationship between formal reasoning and reasoning in other contexts. Undergraduate courses will be enriched and improved by adding it to the list of required readings." -- Danielle Macbeth, T. Wistar Brown Professor and Chair of Philosophy, Haverford College "Anyone who studies formal logic is bound at some point to wonder what logic is all about. Thinking about the philosophical issues as you go along can help bring logic to life. This collection of classic papers is the ideal place to begin an exploration of the philosophy of logic." -- Derek Turner, Connecticut College The editors have compiled a very fine collection of essays on the nature of logic as it relates to broad philosophical concerns. This volume should serve as a valuable tool for students to see the applicability of formal logical techniques and results. It is a useful antidote to what can and for students often does seem to be the insulated nature of formal logic. David Boersema, Distinguished University Professor, Pacific University The formal logic that we teach in our introductory classes is simple, elegant, and as this thoughtfully conceived collection reminds us, often extremely puzzling. Thinking about Logic will motivate students to reflect both on fundamental notions of basic logic and on the relationship between formal reasoning and reasoning in other contexts. Undergraduate courses will be enriched and improved by adding it to the list of required readings. Danielle Macbeth, T. Wistar Brown Professor and Chair of Philosophy, Haverford College Anyone who studies formal logic is bound at some point to wonder what logic is all about. Thinking about the philosophical issues as you go along can help bring logic to life. This collection of classic papers is the ideal place to begin an exploration of the philosophy of logic. Derek Turner, Connecticut College" About the Author Steven M Cahn