Logic with Trees: An Introduction to Symbolic Logic

by Colin Howson

Logic with Trees is a new and original introduction to modern formal logic. Preferring explanation and argument to intimidatingly rigorous development, Colin Howson presents the formal material in a clear and informal style that both beginners and those with some knowledge of formal methods will appreciate. Examples and exercises guide readers through the book, and answers to selected exercises at the end allow them to monitor their own progress. Howson covers all the key methods in both truth-functional and full first order logic using the truth-tree, or semantic tableau, approach throughout. In addition, he discusses alternative deductive systems, transfinite numbers and the famous theorems of Godel and Church, and he concludes with an analysis of the liar paradox and of the weaknesses of the truth-functional account of conditionals. Logic with Trees will be particularly useful for those who feel wary of formal methods, as it shows how simple even quite sophisticated formal reasoning can be. It offers an indispensable introduction to logic for students of philosophy, mathematics and computer science.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 1997

Reviews

[Lucas Gili · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a beginner of first-order logic and this is one of the first books I've read about it, although the book also introduces and explains some other famous topics and theorems too so the book introduces the reader to a lot of new things in the field with many book recommendations.

I'm not accustomed to reading first-order logic and maths either, and the author's explanations and writing style could be clearer and in a better format, because of this I wouldn't recommend the book to someone who quickly needs to understand the way first-order logic works but rather someone who is familiar with it but wants to deepen their knowledge of it at a beginner-low intermediate level.

If you want a short book that is high on detail on the subjects of truth trees, propositional languages and first-order logic then this is certainly one to read.

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please no more appealing to mathematicians, my little philosopher pea brain can't handle it