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Logic, or the Right Use of Reason, in the Inquiry After Truth: With a Variety of Rules to Guard Against Error in the Affairs of Religion and Human Life, as Well as in the Sciences
Excerpt from Logic, or the Right Use of Reason, in the Inquiry After Truth: With a Variety of Rules to Guard Against Error in the Affairs of Religion and Human Life, as Well as in the Sciences
The word season. In this place. Is not confined to the faculty of reasoning. Or inferring one thing from another, I eludes all the intellectual powers of man.
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This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
The word season. In this place. Is not confined to the faculty of reasoning. Or inferring one thing from another, I eludes all the intellectual powers of man.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
270 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1802
92 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Watts
1,154 books48 followersIsaac Watts was an English hymnwriter, theologian and logician. A prolific and popular hymnwriter, he was recognised as the "Father of English Hymnody", credited with some 650 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in use today, and have been translated into many languages.
Watts was the author of a text book on logic which was particularly popular; its full title was, Logic, or The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry After Truth With a Variety of Rules to Guard Against Error in the Affairs of Religion and Human Life, as well as in the Sciences. This was first published in 1724, and its popularity ensured that it went through twenty editions. Isaac Watts' Logic became the standard text on logic at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale; being used at Oxford University for well over 100 years.
[wikipedia]
Watts was the author of a text book on logic which was particularly popular; its full title was, Logic, or The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry After Truth With a Variety of Rules to Guard Against Error in the Affairs of Religion and Human Life, as well as in the Sciences. This was first published in 1724, and its popularity ensured that it went through twenty editions. Isaac Watts' Logic became the standard text on logic at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale; being used at Oxford University for well over 100 years.
[wikipedia]
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 21, 2018
Isaac Watts organizes his Logic text according to what he calls the four functions of the human mind: Perception, Judgment, Reasoning, and Disposition.
Most logic books jump quickly to reasoning. I was surprised at how much time Watts spent on the nature of ideas, the categories of ideas, the way we use words as symbols to create categories, the way we should define various kinds of things and ideas, etc. It impressed on me something that I think often distinguishes a good logic student from a poor logic student, but that I had never been able to see before. Over half the book is taken up with categorizing ideas, defining terms and words, and using those terms to make statements. It’s not until about 70% of the way into the book that he even begins to talk about arguments, syllogisms, or reasoning.
His section on statements and how we determine the truth value of statements was especially good. He talks about how truth value is determined for different kinds of statements. His discussion of prejudice and the sources and kinds of prejudice is fantastic. He has a good, and very thorough discussion of syllogisms focused on how arguments in their many different forms actually work in English. Finally his book is full of practical advice for reasoning, learning, and communicating.
While many of the scientific examples he uses in the book are outdated, and one example he uses contains some, ahem, outdated notions of race, the book still stands as a great primer in logic and a fantastic source of practical advice on reading, learning, thinking, and remembering, as well as putting what you have learned to good use in your life.
Most logic books jump quickly to reasoning. I was surprised at how much time Watts spent on the nature of ideas, the categories of ideas, the way we use words as symbols to create categories, the way we should define various kinds of things and ideas, etc. It impressed on me something that I think often distinguishes a good logic student from a poor logic student, but that I had never been able to see before. Over half the book is taken up with categorizing ideas, defining terms and words, and using those terms to make statements. It’s not until about 70% of the way into the book that he even begins to talk about arguments, syllogisms, or reasoning.
His section on statements and how we determine the truth value of statements was especially good. He talks about how truth value is determined for different kinds of statements. His discussion of prejudice and the sources and kinds of prejudice is fantastic. He has a good, and very thorough discussion of syllogisms focused on how arguments in their many different forms actually work in English. Finally his book is full of practical advice for reasoning, learning, and communicating.
While many of the scientific examples he uses in the book are outdated, and one example he uses contains some, ahem, outdated notions of race, the book still stands as a great primer in logic and a fantastic source of practical advice on reading, learning, thinking, and remembering, as well as putting what you have learned to good use in your life.
September 27, 2013
It is hard to believe that this was the standard textbook used in primary schools. Have we really become that "dumbed" down that this book seems more appropriate for a university level course? I am sure that as secularism took over the school system this book and course were forced out. If logic, like in the book, were still taught in the school system the average atheists would not even have a platform. His fallacy laden arguments would be easily exposed and corrected by school age children.
The book explains concepts and gives definitions to help the reader better understand logic. I love the simple examples, and often biblical ones, that the author uses to illustrate his points. Some of the language may be a little outdated as words change meaning over time. There were parts that were a little dry, but overall a good read. The book closes with practical advice for those engaging in debate.
My favourite quote from the book, and argument used against the skeptic/agnostic is:
"Whatsoever is dictated to us by God Himself, or by men who are divinely inspired, must be believed with full assurance. Reason demands us to believe whatsoever divine revelation dictates; for God is perfectly wise, and cannot be deceived; He is faithful and good, and will not deceive His creatures; and when reason has found out the certain marks or credentials of divine testimony to belong to any proposition, there remains no farther inquiry to be made, but only to find out the true sense and meaning of that which God has revealed, for reason itself demands the belief of it."
The book explains concepts and gives definitions to help the reader better understand logic. I love the simple examples, and often biblical ones, that the author uses to illustrate his points. Some of the language may be a little outdated as words change meaning over time. There were parts that were a little dry, but overall a good read. The book closes with practical advice for those engaging in debate.
My favourite quote from the book, and argument used against the skeptic/agnostic is:
"Whatsoever is dictated to us by God Himself, or by men who are divinely inspired, must be believed with full assurance. Reason demands us to believe whatsoever divine revelation dictates; for God is perfectly wise, and cannot be deceived; He is faithful and good, and will not deceive His creatures; and when reason has found out the certain marks or credentials of divine testimony to belong to any proposition, there remains no farther inquiry to be made, but only to find out the true sense and meaning of that which God has revealed, for reason itself demands the belief of it."
February 8, 2017
This was a wonderful book in so many ways. Watts presents a very clean and detailed process of how to put together coherent, valid arguments and is quite insightful in his recognition of the pitfalls we need to guard against in our own thinking and reasoning. His goal in this book is not just to instruct students on how to put together a good argument, but to instruct students on how to find the right argument. Or, should I say, to instruct students on how to find their way to the truth. It's a difference of purpose that I think deserves more emphasis in the classroom -- we should approach thinking, arguing, and writing as tools to discover truth, not as tools to defend existing viewpoints (though of course the latter can be accomplished if the former is the focus).
Considering Watts' truth focus, I was not surprised that he wove in his religious faith, but was yet slightly disappointed in the way he did it. He uses many Biblical examples throughout, which I didn't mind, but stopped short of using the framework he was explicating to evaluate his religious beliefs. Ultimately, Watts prioritizes faith over reason, making religious faith on some level beyond the grasp of reason and logic. On one hand, I do agree that there are things in our belief systems that cannot be proved with the same kind of evidence or even logical argument as something more concrete (like scientific processes such as photosynthesis or discoveries such as that of the atom). On the other hand, I felt that he might have been prioritizing faith or revelation so much that he failed to highlight those areas where we can and should use reason to clarify (and even change!) what we believe. Perhaps because he is a scriptural literalist he needs to be devoted to that way of thinking in order to defend all his beliefs. Perhaps not. Regardless, I thought the infusion of religious elements throughout weakened the power of some of his prescriptions for finding truth. Others may very much enjoy that he refers to the Bible so frequently to demonstrate the processes or elements he lays out.
Two minor points worth mentioning: I would have liked the chapter on fallacious argumentation to be longer. It seems there is a wealth of history on the subject he could have referenced and used. Also, the last chapter is fabulous for writers -- of nonfiction or fiction.
Overall, I very much enjoyed and benefited from Watts' presentation of logical thinking and good argument construction, and very much enjoyed the priority he gave to discovering truth (rather than defending a viewpoint). I would recommend many excerpts from this text be used in the classroom, though with the religious overtones the work in toto may not be appropriate or fitting for all schools.
Considering Watts' truth focus, I was not surprised that he wove in his religious faith, but was yet slightly disappointed in the way he did it. He uses many Biblical examples throughout, which I didn't mind, but stopped short of using the framework he was explicating to evaluate his religious beliefs. Ultimately, Watts prioritizes faith over reason, making religious faith on some level beyond the grasp of reason and logic. On one hand, I do agree that there are things in our belief systems that cannot be proved with the same kind of evidence or even logical argument as something more concrete (like scientific processes such as photosynthesis or discoveries such as that of the atom). On the other hand, I felt that he might have been prioritizing faith or revelation so much that he failed to highlight those areas where we can and should use reason to clarify (and even change!) what we believe. Perhaps because he is a scriptural literalist he needs to be devoted to that way of thinking in order to defend all his beliefs. Perhaps not. Regardless, I thought the infusion of religious elements throughout weakened the power of some of his prescriptions for finding truth. Others may very much enjoy that he refers to the Bible so frequently to demonstrate the processes or elements he lays out.
Two minor points worth mentioning: I would have liked the chapter on fallacious argumentation to be longer. It seems there is a wealth of history on the subject he could have referenced and used. Also, the last chapter is fabulous for writers -- of nonfiction or fiction.
Overall, I very much enjoyed and benefited from Watts' presentation of logical thinking and good argument construction, and very much enjoyed the priority he gave to discovering truth (rather than defending a viewpoint). I would recommend many excerpts from this text be used in the classroom, though with the religious overtones the work in toto may not be appropriate or fitting for all schools.
March 24, 2017
What do you say about a book on logic that was used at Oxford for over 100 years, and as a text for nearly 200, including schools such as Cambridge? Granted the language, although modern English, is somewhat antiquated now, but this introductory book on logic is still very strong and really begs to be read by anyone with any interest in the subject. Certainly it isn't perfect, and given that Watts also wrote many Christian hymns has that bias (but then, all logic books have bias one way or another, as does all philosophy and rhetoric), but it's not something that spoils the basic teachings which start with what are ideas, what are words, and so on, then builds slowly but thoroughly from there. This was written with pupils in mind, so isn't mind-boggling even if it requires thinking, particularly if you are new to the subject. Most of it is written in relatively short sections, so you can take time to ponder and mark your page. I did that more because I was reading a number of other books throughout this time and was in no hurry to finish. Plus, first my copy was stolen when I left it behind in the RMV, then I had to get library copies, etc.
I do recommend this even if I didn't give it five stars.
I do recommend this even if I didn't give it five stars.
September 6, 2014
Much has changed since this volume was written. Watts wrote this as a text book for children whom he tutored. This text could easily be used for a college course on logic. What is particularly fascinating about this work is Watts' acknowledgment of the effects of sin on the mind's ability to reason. For this reason, Watts spends a great deal of time dealing with the ways in which our fallen nature prejudices our ability to reason as we should. A very good read. Tightly argued and presented material, but not stodgy or off-putting.
July 20, 2024
My husband has loved this book since the first time he read it years ago, so I’m so excited that i finally finished it. It’s been on my TBR for more than a decade and I’ve tried several times, but never got far. It was hard for me, but so beneficial. I think the English is too archaic at times to be as helpful as it might have been for students in Watts’s day. It would be nice to have a modern NIV version of it, maybe abridging the section on categories of words (terms, ideas). Main takeaway: don’t be hasty!
ETA: I want to edit my review, because recently in a discussion with someone on the internet, I allowed that someone to say that Watts was a modern because he was an empiricist. (Apparently this person had studied the Scholastics and approved more of them.) After discussing this with my husband, who is truly gifted at getting the pith of an author’s argument, and who was studying Jonathan Edwards at the same time, he helped to see how wrong that argument was, to say that Watts was a modern because he was an empiricist (and a secondary hidden assumption that the medieval/Catholic scholastics are better because they’re not modern). I will admit my presuppositions incline me toward the Puritans and Baptists, rather than the Catholics, for sure. However it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of people like Watts and Edwards to say they were empiricists. If you read the book, you will see that he critiques the empiricists as well as the Scholastics at times. Here is where John Frame’s triperspectivalism helps: Edwards and Watts both believed that God’s revelation in the Bible was the supreme authority, under which rationalism, empiricism, and existentialism must submit. The heart, head, and hands all submit to God as revealed in His Word. This is what makes Watts so trustworthy in his book on logic. Sola Scriptura!
ETA: I want to edit my review, because recently in a discussion with someone on the internet, I allowed that someone to say that Watts was a modern because he was an empiricist. (Apparently this person had studied the Scholastics and approved more of them.) After discussing this with my husband, who is truly gifted at getting the pith of an author’s argument, and who was studying Jonathan Edwards at the same time, he helped to see how wrong that argument was, to say that Watts was a modern because he was an empiricist (and a secondary hidden assumption that the medieval/Catholic scholastics are better because they’re not modern). I will admit my presuppositions incline me toward the Puritans and Baptists, rather than the Catholics, for sure. However it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of people like Watts and Edwards to say they were empiricists. If you read the book, you will see that he critiques the empiricists as well as the Scholastics at times. Here is where John Frame’s triperspectivalism helps: Edwards and Watts both believed that God’s revelation in the Bible was the supreme authority, under which rationalism, empiricism, and existentialism must submit. The heart, head, and hands all submit to God as revealed in His Word. This is what makes Watts so trustworthy in his book on logic. Sola Scriptura!
May 28, 2018
I once thought of Isaac Watts as nothing more than a hymn writer, how wrong I was. He wrote a fantastic book that is well worth reading for everyone who can find a copy. Master Watts gave it a very lengthy title that has been shortened to 'The Right Use of Reason in the Inquiry After Truth' and shortened even further for us modern readers to 'Logic'. It shows just how far we have fallen for down the rungs of attention. A side thought before I get to at least two things I got from the book would be that this book was once made use of in the teaching of primary level children and yet now it may be considered heavy at university level even though it shouldn't be. I wish my teachers of English took the pains to do this much groundwork with me early on in life, I would be much better off for it.
One thing I saw is how inseparable the issue of logic and the understanding of language and grammar are, after all in order to understand what a person is saying you have to be able to understand why they have used the words that they have used. Once Mr Watts has finished setting the stage for what Logic is he goes around giving several pointers in understanding language that might seem tedious but go with it and you will soon uncover treasure troves therein. If nothing else it will help you read your bible better and is there any better use than that.
The second thing is the relevance of logic and reason in communication of thought and ideas after all what is the purpose of gaining knowledge if not to pass it on to others who would need it. More often than not we get so caught up in our webs and trip over ourselves in the effort of communication that we miss out on actually communicating. Watts gives several guidelines on how to avoid this.
Overall it was another fascinating read. I long to read more of Master Watts' work now that I have gotten a taste
One thing I saw is how inseparable the issue of logic and the understanding of language and grammar are, after all in order to understand what a person is saying you have to be able to understand why they have used the words that they have used. Once Mr Watts has finished setting the stage for what Logic is he goes around giving several pointers in understanding language that might seem tedious but go with it and you will soon uncover treasure troves therein. If nothing else it will help you read your bible better and is there any better use than that.
The second thing is the relevance of logic and reason in communication of thought and ideas after all what is the purpose of gaining knowledge if not to pass it on to others who would need it. More often than not we get so caught up in our webs and trip over ourselves in the effort of communication that we miss out on actually communicating. Watts gives several guidelines on how to avoid this.
Overall it was another fascinating read. I long to read more of Master Watts' work now that I have gotten a taste
May 6, 2017
I have sung many of Isaac Watts hymns, but I only recently realized that he wrote a book on logic, a book which, if I understand correctly, was used as a textbook for generations at places like Yale and Princeton. That does not seem to me to be a very likely combination, but having read the book, it is evident that Isaac Watts was a man of many talents.
Until I read this book I never realized how complicated formal logic was. A lot of it went over my head, but the parts that I understood I often found helpful. It particularly impressed on me that it takes a lot of work to think rightly! One of my favorite quotes: "The power of reasoning was given us by our Maker, for this very end, to pursue truth; and we abuse one of his richest gifts, if we [use it instead to bolster our arguments for what we were already determined to believe]."
The first half of the book was the hardest part for me to get through and I appreciated the second half more. So if you are tempted to give up, as I was, I would encourage you to keep plugging away.
However, I was surprised and saddened at the example he gave of a moral universality: "All negroes are stupid creatures." I realize that back then stupid probably had a somewhat different meaning than it does now, it probably meant uneducated and not necessarily having inferior mental ability, but still it seems to show that for all his talents and graces, he did not rise above the prejudices of his times and it is a stark reminder of just how prejudiced those times were.
Until I read this book I never realized how complicated formal logic was. A lot of it went over my head, but the parts that I understood I often found helpful. It particularly impressed on me that it takes a lot of work to think rightly! One of my favorite quotes: "The power of reasoning was given us by our Maker, for this very end, to pursue truth; and we abuse one of his richest gifts, if we [use it instead to bolster our arguments for what we were already determined to believe]."
The first half of the book was the hardest part for me to get through and I appreciated the second half more. So if you are tempted to give up, as I was, I would encourage you to keep plugging away.
However, I was surprised and saddened at the example he gave of a moral universality: "All negroes are stupid creatures." I realize that back then stupid probably had a somewhat different meaning than it does now, it probably meant uneducated and not necessarily having inferior mental ability, but still it seems to show that for all his talents and graces, he did not rise above the prejudices of his times and it is a stark reminder of just how prejudiced those times were.
February 4, 2022
Watts is a master of illustration. I was frequently struck by his excellent choices of imagery (as one should expect from a hymnist) and clear examples. He also gives good short definitions of terms, making this book as good a reference work as it is a textbook. He also treats necessary issues of epistemology (his Lockean views are a tad dated), and keeps theology always in view. This isn't a book about arguing but about learning in general. There is also quite a bit of good practical advice here for anyone seeking to become a good steward of the mind.
Parts of the book (especially the very definition-heavy portions) are pretty dry. There are also a couple of cringe-worthy places where Watts' example propositions or syllogisms are negative remarks about "negroes." I only noticed this twice. Watts also has many unnecessarily harsh criticisms for Aristotelian philosophers -- criticisms like buck shot that end up hitting more authors than just his intended targets.
Overall, a worthwhile read. I will likely revisit this one every so often.
Parts of the book (especially the very definition-heavy portions) are pretty dry. There are also a couple of cringe-worthy places where Watts' example propositions or syllogisms are negative remarks about "negroes." I only noticed this twice. Watts also has many unnecessarily harsh criticisms for Aristotelian philosophers -- criticisms like buck shot that end up hitting more authors than just his intended targets.
Overall, a worthwhile read. I will likely revisit this one every so often.
August 2, 2024
Author’s point: Good thinking requires hard work so let’s study it carefully beginning with definition and including many lists of rules for thinking.
My evaluation: Still profitable after first reading it in 2008. Logic is a highly practical field of study, not a cold abstract realm for philosophers. The best part of this book are the lists of directions for ideas, definitions, fallacies, clear thinking, and preparing speeches.
My evaluation: Still profitable after first reading it in 2008. Logic is a highly practical field of study, not a cold abstract realm for philosophers. The best part of this book are the lists of directions for ideas, definitions, fallacies, clear thinking, and preparing speeches.
February 4, 2021
This book provided a phenomenal introduction to such topics as logic and reasoning. It included helpful tips for what to be on the lookout for in faulty assumptions/decision making based on how our minds work. Throughout this was a quick, easy and interesting read. Thoroughly enjoyed it and learned from it
July 17, 2021
Were every student today assigned to read this book our political polarization would soon be greatly ameliorated. Sadly, people’s ignorance of logic simply makes them helpless to evaluate arguments and ideas and personal attacks and fights ensue. He builds methodically to provide a logical approach to Logic (fortunately).
May 20, 2024
This is a fantastic book that every educated person must read. Watts doesn't waste time with foolish academic mites that are of no consequence, but rather effectively covers all the parts of logic comprehensively and yet succinctly.
Want to read
March 12, 2020J
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2020
The book invests a considerable portion of the reader's time in grammar and definitions, but there's a plethora of logical nuggets to be discovered.
July 21, 2023
Krever konsentrasjon og innsats. Systematisk innføring i logikk som ikke krever tidligere kjennskap til emnet. Illustrasjoner og eksempler avslører et gjennomgående kristent verdensbilde.
March 26, 2008
This book was hard for me to grasp. It's been a long time since I've read it but I do remember having to go back several times to read a specific concept. I do remember that it was good though. A friend loaned me the book and wanted to discuss it after I finished it because it was really hard for him to follow as well. I would like to read this again.
November 4, 2012
A wealth of knowledge. It took me a while to get through it, but it is actually very well structured and written. I recommend it highly not only because it teaches the principles of Logic, but that in many cases it uses God's Word for teaching the principles.
February 4, 2011
This is my favorite book next to the Bible. It has transformed my ability to reason more rightly. The book itself is well organized and thoughtful.
June 6, 2024
Reading this book illustrates how drastically Western Civilization and the
English-speaking world has declined since the eighteenth century.
English-speaking world has declined since the eighteenth century.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews