Introducing Symbolic Logic

by Robert M. Martin

This accessible , SHORT introduction to symbolic logic includes coverage of sentential and predicate logic, translations, truth tables, and derivations. The author’s engaging style makes this the most informal of introductions to formal logic. Topics are explained in a conversational, easy-to-understand way for readers not familiar with mathematics or formal systems, and the author provides patient, reader-friendly explanations―even with the occasional bit of humour. The first half of the book deals with all the basic elements of Sentential the five truth-functional connectives, formation rules and translation into this language, truth-tables for validity, logical truth/falsity, equivalency, consistency and derivations. The second half deals with Quantifier the two quantifiers, formation rules and translation, demonstrating certain logical characteristics by “Finding an Interpretation” and derivations. There are plenty of exercises scattered throughout, more than in many texts, arranged in order of increasing difficulty and including separate answer keys.

Genres: Philosophy

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2004

Reviews

[liam]

Overall, a good introduction to symbolic logic (both sentential/propositional and predicate logic). The exercises were also very helpful in testing knowledge. Chapter 4 - Quantifier Derivations - I did not complete as I’m going to take an online course and read some other books to better understand derivations but everything else was extremely useful.