Whether regarded as a science, an art, or a skill–and it can properly be regarded as all three–logic is the basis of our ability to thi...
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Oct 20, 2009
D.
rated it: 
In this book, D.Q. McInerny attempts to convey to the reader a sense of the importance and utility of logic in daily life without taking too many risks in terms of tackling controversial issues. This is wise for an introduction to practical logic and ends up being effective. A short and easy read, one very noteworthy quality of the author's writing is the impeccable grammar used throughout, a pleasant departure from typical reading.
This book is effective in introducing the concepts More...
This book is effective in introducing the concepts More...
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Dec 07, 2008
Charity
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Fantastic. I loved this book. The auther has organized and explained logic in a clear and, imagine this, logical fashion. I kept having to stop because I would think of examples of whatever was being cited. After finishing, I wanted to re-read and this time take notes and memorize. Fun, fun, fun!
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Dec 28, 2011
John
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For McInerny the statements of logic are a kind of representation. Like a picture, our declarative language reports how things hang together. If I say, "The boat is tied to the pier," then what I say is only true if the boat is in fact tied to the pier. For all practical purposes, there is an objective (public) reality that is represented by the declarative sentences of logic. True declarations model the world.
I found the chapter on the relationship between language and the More...
I found the chapter on the relationship between language and the More...
Aug 07, 2011
Jasmine
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okay so according to the author this book is suppose to do to logic what the elements of style did to grammar. I don't know what the elements of style did to grammar, but I think what this does to logic is important, it makes logic stupid easy, don't read it for a philosophy book on logic you won't appreciate it, I didn't learn anything I didn't already know, but this is the most accessible book on logic I've ever seen and I'd recommend it highly as an introduction or a reference book, which is
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Apr 23, 2010
Kelly
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This book aims to be for logic what Strunk and White's 'Elements of Style' is for writing. I have to say when I read that I was skeptical that McInerny could do it. I think he might have, however. It was a wonderful little book about thinking clearly. I think certifying Being Logical meets the 'Strunk-and-White test' will take time and multiple readings of the book. If after having read it several more times I feel I am getting something that enhances my thinking I think I would be willing
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May 29, 2011
Dante
rated it:
Being Logical is a practical book that aims to help readers think and reason well.
It is divided into five parts. Part One (Preparing the Mind for Logic) talks about the preparations we need to make in order to think and reason well. These preparations refer to attitudes and ways of thinking that we need to adopt and the concepts that we need to remember in order to ready our minds for good thinking and reasoning.
These are the concepts we need to remember:
1. Fa More...
It is divided into five parts. Part One (Preparing the Mind for Logic) talks about the preparations we need to make in order to think and reason well. These preparations refer to attitudes and ways of thinking that we need to adopt and the concepts that we need to remember in order to ready our minds for good thinking and reasoning.
These are the concepts we need to remember:
1. Fa More...
Jan 16, 2008
Tim
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This is a decent refresher on formal (and not so formal) logic, for anyone who took a logic class so many years ago. Or for those who didn't, it's a good introduction. It's modeled more or less on Strunk and White, so it's concise (maybe a bit too much), and it’s not very technical. It doesn't cover all the bases, e.g. there's nothing on truth trees, but it does a good job with the fundamentals, including the more common fallacies. Someone (maybe this author) said something to the effect tha
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Feb 21, 2009
Simmoril
rated it:
Looking back, I'm not really sure what I was expecting when I started reading this book, but I can at least say that I was hoping for a bit more substance than what this book provided. The book itself might make a good, light introduction for someone who is not familiar with the subject of logic at all, but I didn't get as much new information out of this book as I wanted.
Jul 27, 2011
Authoritative book on logical argument and its elements. His third chapter on the Language of Logic bogged down somewhat, but he finished strong with an explanation of logical fallacies. McInerny stated that he wished this book would become like Strunk and White's Elements of Style for logic. With some polishing, a future edition may attain that distinction.
Feb 08, 2011
Ryan
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it's a good refresh on what clarity means, though I'm not a huge fan of his simplified epistemological propositions. is everything 'really' true or not true? if so, is that really the best distinction to govern speech? the 'rationalists' tend to bother me with their nearly complete disregard for the mechanics of human nature.
Jul 24, 2011
Stephen
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Read FEB 2007
This is a good primer on how to think and communicate in a logical manner (aka how to argue, not quarrel effectively). One quote that resonated with me was: "Ideals are about the what-should-be." That should start an argument with some....
This is a good primer on how to think and communicate in a logical manner (aka how to argue, not quarrel effectively). One quote that resonated with me was: "Ideals are about the what-should-be." That should start an argument with some....
Sep 17, 2008
Donkeykonguk
rated it:
This is a slim, easy-to-read guide to basic critical thinking. If you wonder why so many people have trouble analyzing the issues that impact their lives, you'll see that part of the blame is due to atrophied thinking. Weak critical skills, which may seem to be a stuffy thing to be worried about these days, are actually the root of prejudice, demagoguery, scams, intolerance, ignorance, mistakes, and tragedies of all kinds. This book is kryptonite to everything from the justifications for the inv
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Oct 19, 2011
Erika
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Very difficult read. I did, however, love the section on fallacy (part five). The rest had a flow and jargon issue. I now get that it is trying to be a mini text book, but I don't want to read a text book!
May 16, 2011
Simon
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This is a perfectly decent book. It’s written in good, simple prose. It’s nice and short. I learned a few things from it. But as a very great man once said (or was it Sebastian Faulks?), “what use is logic when faced with the power of truth?”
Mar 13, 2009
I'm still reading this helpful book. Really good. Logic helps me in thinking so... A good book, I'm still reading it randomly on some pages. I'll rate this 5 stars.
Apr 07, 2011
Fox
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This book would make an excellent textbook for any class on logic or critical thinking. It is very well set up, very informative, and never quite becomes 'boring' as these texts tend to. My reason for a lower rating is primarily due to the context in which I read it (writing a curriculum.) I read the book out of order and never quite gave it the chance it deserved.
This book, however, is excellent at teaching clear thinking, interesting, and perfect for any layperson wishing to gli More...
This book, however, is excellent at teaching clear thinking, interesting, and perfect for any layperson wishing to gli More...
Jul 27, 2009
Levent
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Although the book is not as practical as i was expecting, it is still a good introduction and overview on the topic. I will refer to it again and again.
Aug 09, 2011
Aaron
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A good book on improving how you process thoughts... ok, that sounds hokey, but it is a decent read.
Feb 10, 2011
Jay
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Highly accessible guidebook on foundational logic with not only what-to-do and how-to-do-its, but what-not-to-do and why-not-to-do-its. From understanding statements which construct a sound argument to reaching valid conclusions, this book provides a handy approach to critical thinking in everyday situations.
But, it does so only at an elementary level, don't expect too much out of it if you have had some familiarity with Formal, Mathematical, Symbolic or any other forms of logic bef More...
But, it does so only at an elementary level, don't expect too much out of it if you have had some familiarity with Formal, Mathematical, Symbolic or any other forms of logic bef More...
May 25, 2010
Hieu
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This book is like a very short introduction to logic. The first and the last chapter are particularly interesting and well-written. The other chapters are just technical, nothing new.
Apr 01, 2010
Converse
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Excellent short introduction to critical reasoning and deductive logic
Oct 06, 2009
M
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I really can't say that I "liked" this book, but was it educational? I'd give that a yes. Whether being logical will actually soak through my illogical brain (which has had many, many years of practice at being illogical) remains to be seen.
Feb 02, 2008
Rick
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A fabulous little primer on logic, reasoning, argument, and illogical thinking. Useful, concise, and worthy of company of the classic primer it models itself on, Strunk & White’s Elements of Style. You come away thinking that one thing that is missing from our K-12 curriculum is logic, that is should be part of reading and writing. It’s that fundamental and trying to get kids to reason and write persuasive essays without an understanding of logic is doomed to failure.
May 09, 2008
Alexander
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an introductory look at thinking clearly. with proper instruction, one could use this book as a springboard to a deeper understanding of philosophy. not everything the author claims as a foundation of logic is unquestionable though. the principle of sufficient reason, for example, is a principle to which one need not adhere to have a coherent, systematic philosophy.
Sep 20, 2010
Hannah
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I tried to get through this tiny book for about two years (maybe longer). It's really interesting, but tough going a few pages at a time for years. When I restarted the book and read it straight through in a few hours, it was much more satisfying as an overview of logic and logical fallacies. A nice introduction.
Oct 19, 2011
Nerine
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This one's a keeper. Most of the advice here is common sense but it really helps to look at the mechanics of how to argue properly. McInerny also touches on what not to do in a no-nonsense practical text. This slim volume is one that should be useful to anyone who is concerned with clarity of communication.
Dec 22, 2011
Lisa
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I enjoyed how McInerny breaks down the principals for "good thinking". My husband perked up when he saw me reading D.Q. McInerny's "Being Logical: A Guide to Good Thinking." This book is up the hubby's alley and has made (in his opinion) our conversations better. Hmm. Whatever does he mean?
Jan 27, 2010
Tyler
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This well done book introduces readers to the process of good reasoning and the use of logic. As an introduction to the subject, it doesn't get technical, but it does impart a working familiarity of the use and abuse of logic in debates and discussions.
Jul 24, 2008
michel
rated it:
a nice work to refresh with, but it is better approached with an unflagging interest in the strict world of defined logic, an interest that is undaunted by a certain self-righteousness held by the practitioners of formal logic.
