1. Introduction to Basic Logical Thinking – Deduction, Induction
Abstract . In this lecture I will explain the basics of logical reasoning, including the function of premises, logical fallacies and the distinction between form and content. I will discuss deduction and induction and their relation to each other. 1 Introduction Look at this statement “So, as we all know the earth is flat. It is because of our planets flatness that the earth cannot possibly revolve around the sun. So the sun must not only be smaller than the earth it must also move around this flat earth like a flash light over a map.” This is not a logical argument. I’ll explain why later, but first what is logic? Logic is the study of reasoning and its aim is to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning by establishing the rules or patterns of successful arguments. Logic is not concerned with the actual mental (or physical) process employed by a thinking entit...