Traditional Logic II: Advanced Formal Logic

by Martin Cothran

An introductory and systematic course in formal logic that presents the concepts and methodology in a clear, concise, and organized way. If the course presentation and layout is a reflection of a very logical mind, and Martin Cothran wrote and laid out the course, then Martin Cothran has a very logical mind. While this may or may not be true, it is, nonetheless, a valid argument. Written specifically for the home school environment, and for use by a teacher with no previous experience in formal logic, it seems a good candidate for a self-instructional course (provided you can offer help as needed). You will want to read the author s notes in the front, as he suggests an alternate route through the book if students have trouble with the abstract concepts presented in the first three chapters. The author s targeted grade level is high school, but it may be used with "advanced" 7th and 8th graders or adults as well. If you are using the classical approach with your children, they will probably be ready for this course in junior high. Two levels of the course are available. Book I contains 14 chapters plus an introduction in the course, each with short, daily lessons. The introduction provides an excellent background of logic as a methodology and science, and defines key concepts used in logic. It is really part of the course, not just a preface. The following chapters introduce and provide both the mental and verbal aspects of Terms (chapters 1-3), Propositions (chapters 4-9), and Syllogisms (chapters 10-14). Each chapter is logically laid out for a clear presentation and to aid student understanding. An introduction presents the topic of the chapter. Headings throughout the text reveal the main points to be covered. Helpful sidebars highlight important definitions and concepts to remember. Diagrams provide a visual illustration of concepts. A conclusion at the end of each chapter summarizes the content, wrapping up the text. Following this are four daily exercise sets. You will probably want your child to look at the exercise instructions first, as they also contain the reading plan for each day. Book II is to be used only after completing Book I. It features a similar format, but also includes optional writing assignments to allow logic to be integrated with history, Bible, or English. Also, more real-life, contemporary examples of arguments are included. Case studies are also incorporated, to show the relevance of logic in history, literature, religion, and philosophy. The goal, after all, is for the student to apply what he has learned in all areas of life. Section titles include Further Study of Simple Syllogisms (chapters 1-4), Arguments in Ordinary Language (chapters 5-6), Hypothetical Syllogisms (chapters 7-9), Complex Syllogisms (chapters 10-13), the Oblique Syllogism (chapter 14), and a final review."

Genres: Logic, Education

93 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Aubrey Finseth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was fine but does not compare to canon logic.

[Ada · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like the other one, this book did not provide complete explanation. For example, it was missing five valid forms. I researched it and it seemed to be because of the existential fallacy, which was never even mentioned, and which Aristotelian logic supposedly does not support. They also affirm subimplication, which contradicts their elimination of these otherwise valid forms. I am not certain that this is the reason for the missing forms, but I do know that it is not explained. This is one example of this book’s shortcomings, but there are others as well, like the utter pointlessness of reduction of particular negative conclusion syllogisms. I again recommend Canon Press Introductory and Intermediate logic!

[Donna Anoskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice logic text. Well organized and easy to follow.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had clear explanations and examples, making it simple to understand and easy to teach to my 10th graders.

[Sally · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even worse than the original book. Avoid!
I can only imagine that the positive reviews were given by Martin’s relatives

[Charlie Cathcart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't teach me anything but maybe if I had cared it would have

[Amy Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this got very advanced at the end, and I feel they didn't give very many examples for the last few chapters. But I think with the DVD lectures and workbook, this is the absolutely best formal logic course out there. Excellent straightforward and clear presentation.

[Eribert Mishongi]

Chapter 10