Essentials of Symbolic Logic

by R.L. Simpson

Essentials of Symbolic Logic is a concise and clearly written introduction to the topic. Based on years of use in colleges and universities, the book provides an accessible and thorough grounding in sentence logic and predicate logic. While technical jargon is kept to a minimum, all necessary logical concepts and vocabulary are explained clearly. A standard system of natural deduction is developed, and readers are given suggestions for developing strategies for creating derivations (proofs) in this system.

Genres: Philosophy, Logic

Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Hao Ca Vien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simpson's handbook is a clear and concise primer on introducing symbolic logic as a practice. Computer Science majors and Mathematics majors who need a start on the two disciplines should look into a Symbolic Logic Course or two and completion of this book. Simpson is very easy to understand and his natural deduction methodology is a good way to construct and validate simple proofs without much a priori knowledge. I had a lot of fun and enjoyment reading this book and doing the outlined exercises. Following through on every exercises faithfully (at least once) will greatly increase your confidence in logic and latter comparison of answers may further your delight; however, though he does not allow for answers to be printed in the book, repetition and practice allows for consolidation and revelation. Frequent breaks and repeated trials will yield much progress as with any discipline. Please enjoy! Simpson's introductory is one of my favorites!

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent introduction to, well, the essentials. I found the author's style pretty opaque and the derivations difficult to follow, but I'm willing to grant some benefit of the doubt having never ready an other symbolic logic books.

[Pierre]

As advertised: an effective introduction to symbolic logic, written by a logician, not a prose stylist.