Andrea Melisa R.

Camba

Assignment in PHL102

January 12, 2015

1. Definition of logic.
The term logic is rooted from the Greek word logos which is sometimes
translated as sentence, discourse, reason, rule and/or ratio.
Briefly speaking, logic is the study of reasoning, or the study of the principles
and criteria of valid interference and demonstration. It attempts to make a
distinction between good and bad reasoning.
According to Aristotle, logic is new and necessary reasoning; new because it
lets one learn what one does not know, and necessary because its conclusions
are inescapable. What is correct reasoning?, What distinguish a bad
argument from a good one?, How can we detect fallacy in reasoning? are just
some of the questions which are asked in this field.
2. 2 main divisions of Logic:
Deductive reasoning (informally known as top-down logic) is a logical
process in which a conclusion is based on the concordance of multiple premises
that are generally assumed to be true. It is basically a type of reasoning which
goes from general to specific.
Deduction starts with an assumed hypothesis or theory, which is why it has
been called hypothetico-deduction. This assumption may be well-accepted or it
may be rather more shakynevertheless, for the argument is not questioned.
Inductive reasoning or induction is reasoning from a specific case or cases and
deriving a general rule. It draws inferences from observations order to make
generalizations. Inference can be done in four stages:
I.
II.

Observation collection of facts without bias.

Analysis classify facts, identify patterns of regularity

III.

Inference from the patterns, infer generalizations about the

IV.

relations between the facts

Confirmation testing the inference through further observation

3. Other divisions based on mental operation:

Simple Apprehension is the act of perceiving an object intellectually, without
affirming or denying anything concerned with it. To apprehend is to take hold
of a thing as if with the hand; an apprehension, is an intellectual grasping of
an object. The act of forming this mental image is called a conception and the
product is the concept, idea or notion of the object.
Judgment is the second operation of the intellect, by which it predicates the
agreement or disagreement of the subjects attributes. The chief divisions of
judgment are as follows: a priori (judgment is one in which the agreement or
disagreement is necessary and either can become so from their mere
consideration; e.g. God is infinite.) and a posteriori (agreement or disagreement
of the ideas compared is not necessary and can be known from experience
alone; e.g. Columbus discovered America).
Reasoning is the act of the mind where we draw a conclusion from a given set
of validity-draws premises. The mind proceeds to central knowledge by way of
inference.
4. Importance of studying logic.
Studying logic is very important for it prepares one to confront this world. One
who understands what one believes logically, one will be able to defend it
throughout ones life.

The study of logic allows one to comprehend how things function, and, as this
is applied increasingly in life (and the lives of others to which one is exposed), it
allows one to better evaluate and asses situations.
Also, logic is the basis of all existence and is used to understand aspects of
reality. With basic knowledge of this, one will increase the ability to survive and
exist effectively in ones present reality.
In addition, logic is necessary to analyze other peoples beliefs. Logical
fallacies are everywhere in a society. If one cannot detect the logical mistakes
one hears, then how will he discern who is right? It is important to critically
reason through the arguments of others.
Some say logic is the truth and logic into every other subject. Its study should
be considered foundational to every educational curriculum for it stretches into
every other subject. The laws of logic, in one way or another, are fundamental
to every academic discipline.

http://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_logic.html
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/deductive-reasoning
http://www.triviumpursuit.com/articles/why_study_logic.php