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Socratic Logic
This new and revised edition of Peter Kreeft’s Socratic Logic is updated, adding new exercises and more complete examples, all with Kreeft’s characteristic clarity and wit. Since its introduction in the spring of 2004, Socratic Logic has proven to be a different type of logic text: (1) This is the only complete system of classical Aristotelian logic in print. The “old logic” is still the natural logic of the four language arts (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Symbolic, or “mathematical,” logic is not for the humanities. (How often have you heard someone argue in symbolic logic?) (2) This book is simple and user-friendly. It is highly interactive, with a plethora of exercises and a light, engaging style. (3) It is practical. It is designed for do-it-yourselfers as well as classrooms. It emphasizes topics in proportion to probable student use: e.g., interpreting ordinary language, not only analyzing but also constructing effective arguments, smoking out hidden assumptions, making “argument maps,” and using Socratic method in various circumstances. (4) It is philosophical. Its exercises expose students to many classical quotations, and additional chapters introduce philosophical issues in a Socratic manner and from a commonsense, realistic point of view. It prepares students for reading Great Books rather than Dick and Jane, and models Socrates as the beginner’s ideal teacher and philosopher.
410 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2003
174 people are currently reading
1890 people want to read
About the author
Peter Kreeft
188 books1,033 followersPeter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 14, 2013
The best introduction to Logic that I have ever read. Anybody who studies this book will be a better thinker.
March 7, 2022
This was something I read with my high schooler. Think of it as a more scholarly Fallacy Detective. As you learn about terms, fallacies, and applications of logic, Kreeft also gives you plenty of examples to work through. He includes how to write a Socratic dialogue, how to have a Socratic debate, how to use the Socratic method on difficult people, and how to read a book Socratically.
I found all of this extremely helpful in helping one learn to think rightly. We were going through an online logic class that I dropped for reasons I won’t go into here. This book was more to the point of what I was looking for in revisiting ideas of logic.
It includes the essay Love is a Fallacy, which we already read. For the next child I will probably start this book when we get to Love is a Fallacy, taking several years with it, giving us more time to process everything that’s here instead of trying to squeeze it all into a senior year. 😅
I found all of this extremely helpful in helping one learn to think rightly. We were going through an online logic class that I dropped for reasons I won’t go into here. This book was more to the point of what I was looking for in revisiting ideas of logic.
It includes the essay Love is a Fallacy, which we already read. For the next child I will probably start this book when we get to Love is a Fallacy, taking several years with it, giving us more time to process everything that’s here instead of trying to squeeze it all into a senior year. 😅
August 20, 2012
It's quite the push. I don't share many of the authors philosophic views which tend to derail the discussion. Further, he makes assumptions and takes interpretations of Aristotle that, while endorsed by the Church, simply don't stand up to the philosopher's writings. As a Christian apologetic the author wants to "shoe-horn" Aristotelian philosophy into Christian theory in an effort to gain legitimacy. The effort fails and moreover makes himself and the Church seem grasping and on a shaky foundation. While I have none, faith should be enough in itself without the need for external scaffolding, logic or review. That's the nature of faith, to hold a belief without proof or logic regardless of it's support or absurdity. Any attempt to bring logic into the picture drags faith into the realm of science where it's doomed to failure. To put it more succinctly, Faith needs logic like a fish needs a bicycle. That said though, this is a very good book for demonstrating all the mechanization and tortured logic needed when religious apologetic writings of any stripe try validate faith with logic and science.
March 12, 2016
This book was recommended by a colleague. I teach classical Aristotelean and Boolean logic, and so was well aware of the argument over particulars and existential import. I'm a fan of Idealism, if for nothing more than its streamlined approach to reasoning and lack of hubristic humanism. Kreeft is a bit more adamant than I feel myself about this, but I feel comfortable with his platonism. The wonderful thing I encounter in this book is the recovery of the Socratic elenchus - the positing of intuitive universals and exception by the particulars that characterizes a Socratic dialogue. This is the only text I know of that sketches this out in such a thoughtful way. If you enjoy Plato even as a casual philosopher, you will enjoy this book as a manual of the emerging art of logic. You may even feel up to tackling the 'Parmenides', a logical wrestling match.
April 29, 2025
Excellent. Kreeft sometimes gets distracted and finds himself too entertaining, but overall this is a solid introduction to categorical logic and the principles of critical thinking.
February 28, 2011
A great logic text book. Kreeft deliberately shuns symbolic logic in favor of Aristotelian logic which he finds more useful. His methodology is clear and easy to follow.
May 15, 2016
Peter Kreeft provides an introductory textbook on the argumentative logic of Socrates in his book Socratic Logic. The 16 chapters of Kreeft's book could be divided into three main sections: the First Act of the Mind--Understanding; the Second Act of the Mind--Judgment; and the Third Act of the Mind--Reasoning. These three sections are based upon the three main functions of any argument. First, one must define the terms to see whether they are clear or ambiguous. Then, one must evaluate the premises to determine whether they are true or false. Finally, one must test the argument to see whether the argument is valid or invalid.
The first section of Kreeft's book helps the logician define the terms being presented in an argument. In other words, the terms are defined within the argument. A helpful section on material fallacies is given in chapter 3. Chapter 3 should be given great focus. The reader will find the listing of 40 material fallacies quite helpful. Personally, I found it quite fascinating how often these fallacies are used in popular media and politics.
The second section of Kreeft's book demonstrates how premises are tested for their accuracy. The essence of truth and contradiction is given in this section of Kreeft's book. For a person who is interested in logic--which it is assumed that the reader of this book would--great concentration will need to be given to the universal propositions (A, E) and particular propositions (I, O) given on page 146.
The third section of Socratic Logic focuses on the third test for logical accuracy which involves testing the argument for validity. By far, the third section is the longest and most difficult of all. Kreeft provides an array of various arguments from the more basic syllogism to the more difficult enthymemes and epicheiremas. Chapter 9 is especially good as Kreeft provides four ways to test the validity of any argument: Euler's Circles, Aristotle's Six Rules, "Barbara Celarent," and Venn Diagrams. Because I am a visual person, I really enjoyed Euler's Circles. However, I think Aristotle's Six Rules are perhaps the best test as Kreeft argues on page 263.
Kreeft gives some helpful information in the latter chapters as it pertains to reading books in a logical fashion. Chapter 15 gives excellent information on how to write logically. Chapter 16 is perhaps the capstone of the book. Kreeft shows how logic applies to every part of a person's life from theology to modern ethics.
Socratic Logic finds strength in its layout. Kreeft emphasizes the importance in knowing the three fundamentals of an argument: clarity of the terms, truthfulness of the premises, and the validity of the argument. The book is laid out according to these three fundamentals. This provides excellent structure and imprints the fundamentals upon the reader's mind.
Another strength is the applicability of Kreeft's book. While mathematical logic is extremely important, Socratic logic is applicable in everyday life. It seems as if there is an instant bologna detector found in this form of logic. As this reader read through Kreeft's book, common examples of modern fallacies entered this reader's mind. One will even find oneself evaluating posts on social media according to the principles learned in this book...something for which I had to apologize to one friend.
The greatest weakness of Kreeft's book is its readability. If a person is looking for an easy read, this book is not for you. Socratic Logic is a book that must be slowly digested rather than quickly consumed. If one does not care about how much they learn, then it is supposed that a person could read through the book much quicker. But if one did not care to learn the information, then why read it in the first place?
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who desires to know the truth and how to test truth claims. Relativists will not like this book because Kreeft presents truth as it truly is: objectively known. This reader agrees with Kreeft's definition, but relativists may not. Essentially, truth is calling something what it is. Truth, and the knowledge thereof, should be of utmost importance to all people.
The first section of Kreeft's book helps the logician define the terms being presented in an argument. In other words, the terms are defined within the argument. A helpful section on material fallacies is given in chapter 3. Chapter 3 should be given great focus. The reader will find the listing of 40 material fallacies quite helpful. Personally, I found it quite fascinating how often these fallacies are used in popular media and politics.
The second section of Kreeft's book demonstrates how premises are tested for their accuracy. The essence of truth and contradiction is given in this section of Kreeft's book. For a person who is interested in logic--which it is assumed that the reader of this book would--great concentration will need to be given to the universal propositions (A, E) and particular propositions (I, O) given on page 146.
The third section of Socratic Logic focuses on the third test for logical accuracy which involves testing the argument for validity. By far, the third section is the longest and most difficult of all. Kreeft provides an array of various arguments from the more basic syllogism to the more difficult enthymemes and epicheiremas. Chapter 9 is especially good as Kreeft provides four ways to test the validity of any argument: Euler's Circles, Aristotle's Six Rules, "Barbara Celarent," and Venn Diagrams. Because I am a visual person, I really enjoyed Euler's Circles. However, I think Aristotle's Six Rules are perhaps the best test as Kreeft argues on page 263.
Kreeft gives some helpful information in the latter chapters as it pertains to reading books in a logical fashion. Chapter 15 gives excellent information on how to write logically. Chapter 16 is perhaps the capstone of the book. Kreeft shows how logic applies to every part of a person's life from theology to modern ethics.
Socratic Logic finds strength in its layout. Kreeft emphasizes the importance in knowing the three fundamentals of an argument: clarity of the terms, truthfulness of the premises, and the validity of the argument. The book is laid out according to these three fundamentals. This provides excellent structure and imprints the fundamentals upon the reader's mind.
Another strength is the applicability of Kreeft's book. While mathematical logic is extremely important, Socratic logic is applicable in everyday life. It seems as if there is an instant bologna detector found in this form of logic. As this reader read through Kreeft's book, common examples of modern fallacies entered this reader's mind. One will even find oneself evaluating posts on social media according to the principles learned in this book...something for which I had to apologize to one friend.
The greatest weakness of Kreeft's book is its readability. If a person is looking for an easy read, this book is not for you. Socratic Logic is a book that must be slowly digested rather than quickly consumed. If one does not care about how much they learn, then it is supposed that a person could read through the book much quicker. But if one did not care to learn the information, then why read it in the first place?
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who desires to know the truth and how to test truth claims. Relativists will not like this book because Kreeft presents truth as it truly is: objectively known. This reader agrees with Kreeft's definition, but relativists may not. Essentially, truth is calling something what it is. Truth, and the knowledge thereof, should be of utmost importance to all people.
July 1, 2016
A helpful book for teaching Aristotelian logic but his inclusion of many rabbit trails, asides, and swipes at feminists, liberals, Protestants, etc. are often distracting.
December 6, 2024
This is a good little book. Peter's my friend I like him. He talks too much and the reading stresses me out when I am trying to actually learn things though. Please do not use the word "obviously" on things that are definitely not obvious or I will start crying
Want to read
June 6, 2014I put this on my list to read, as I plan to read it, but I have to admit I find it daunting. So, this is sort of a challenge to myself to read this book over the summer. I will be teaching a course in debate, so I feel this book is essential reading to help me teach my students how to frame an question, explore an argument, and to respond to questions from others. I have read several other books from Kreeft who is a brilliant Catholic philosopher, apologist, and writer. I hope this adventure is as interesting as the others I have taken with him,
April 10, 2015
Good textbook, though I haven't read any other Logic books to compare it to. Kreeft keeps it light and jocular, and is very straightforward in his presentation. His tone can be a jarring and out of place at times, however.
June 5, 2018
Excellent introduction to traditional or aristotelian logic (opposed to classical or mathematical logic) which is the kind of reasoning that you use in the daily life. Complete, clear, with bunch of examples and exercices. Definitively the best book on logic.
October 28, 2021
Peter Kreeft is a genius, unfortunately, I’m not. Logic still eludes me, but I won’t blame it on Kreeft.
March 11, 2019
The deductive logic focus of the book is fantastic. I love how he spends a good amount of time reviewing the more basic but important parts--for example, how to define a term.
I do not agree with Kreeft's use of the Socratic method, if used as an "epistemology" (first principle of knowledge) for any knowledge. For all conclusions from it would by definition, be unsound. And thus, it would push such a worldview system into skepticism. But skepticism denies the law of contradiction. However, if the Socratic method is use merely for pragmatics (aka. science), that is, not for truth, but only for pragmatic usefulness, then it is a proper use. For pragmatics can be false and still be useful (see Gordon Clark -A Christian View of Men and Things--and the example of affirming the consequent example of the Cows. False, but it still produced a predictable result.). By definition all science is false because it is a triple fallacy: empiricism, induction and affirming the consequent--and restating your affirming the consequent in a Modus Ponens in a published magazine does not magically make the fallacy go away.
Deduction and thinking logically is something that needs more than one being taught it. This needs one to give it a few years of practice, and then some more practice until it becomes intuitive. Then the structure of one's thinking will be a good structure.
Jesus appealed to the Law of non-contradiction is Mark 12. Do people not realize that Jesus sometimes only proved his points by logic, rather than quoting Scripture? Jesus is also called the Logos and man is made in the Logos' image. Thus, there is a Biblical doctrine for logic. I wish more Christians would know it and live it better.
I do not agree with Kreeft's use of the Socratic method, if used as an "epistemology" (first principle of knowledge) for any knowledge. For all conclusions from it would by definition, be unsound. And thus, it would push such a worldview system into skepticism. But skepticism denies the law of contradiction. However, if the Socratic method is use merely for pragmatics (aka. science), that is, not for truth, but only for pragmatic usefulness, then it is a proper use. For pragmatics can be false and still be useful (see Gordon Clark -A Christian View of Men and Things--and the example of affirming the consequent example of the Cows. False, but it still produced a predictable result.). By definition all science is false because it is a triple fallacy: empiricism, induction and affirming the consequent--and restating your affirming the consequent in a Modus Ponens in a published magazine does not magically make the fallacy go away.
Deduction and thinking logically is something that needs more than one being taught it. This needs one to give it a few years of practice, and then some more practice until it becomes intuitive. Then the structure of one's thinking will be a good structure.
Jesus appealed to the Law of non-contradiction is Mark 12. Do people not realize that Jesus sometimes only proved his points by logic, rather than quoting Scripture? Jesus is also called the Logos and man is made in the Logos' image. Thus, there is a Biblical doctrine for logic. I wish more Christians would know it and live it better.
September 24, 2012
Must read. Kreeft highlights the validity of Aristotelian logic, while exposing the shortcomings of modern symbolic logic. Great book for anyone seeking to understand how to think more critically.
March 20, 2012
High quality and enjoyable text on the classical/traditional approach to logic. This is almost worth picking up just for the sake of the quotations Peter Kreeft uses as examples without.
June 10, 2012
A logic textbook that is actually fun to read?!
December 15, 2015
An excellent introduction to Classical or Aristotelian Logic. Dr. Kreeft offers a high-quality analysis and application of old logic for today's use. This is a must read.
October 13, 2021
This is a very complete logic textbook. Is is exhaustive enough to be used as a graduate-level textbook, but sections are usable enough to be used for high-school students; provided the teacher uses it well. There are hundreds of exercises of varying difficulty levels that can be used by teachers.
Kreeft is also refreshingly "old-school" in his appreciation for Aristotelian realism, rejection of relativism, and belief in moral imperatives. He can also be quite funny.
This is a one-stop logic shop.
Kreeft is also refreshingly "old-school" in his appreciation for Aristotelian realism, rejection of relativism, and belief in moral imperatives. He can also be quite funny.
This is a one-stop logic shop.
December 26, 2024
Kreeft's imagination and pedagogy is so engaging that you won't even realize you're learning logic. Seriously, I was only supposed to read a few chapters from this and I ended up chugging it cover to cover. I'm not a Roman Catholic, and I'm not a Thomist - but I will always enjoy me some Peter Kreeft. His humor and wealth of knowledge was a welcome treat in discovering the basic principles of formal logic. An excellent supplement to any logic textbook you are starting out with. 1st time read. 4/5.
May 8, 2025
Too much of this book is spent overtly trying to push a narrative of the author's own views; subsequently, this often has an effect of actually distracting from the topics discussed when they call for precise attention. For pre-symbolic logic the Port-Royal Logic is a good alternative text; for symbolic logic forallx, the Language, Proof and Logic textbook and many others are very good alternatives. Nevertheless, the sections dedicated to fallacies in this textbook are the most comprehensive and extensive that I've seen so far, and provide a great source of reference.
December 15, 2022
I've taken several courses on logic, and this one is hands down my favorite text that I've encountered. It covers all the essential concepts in clear and casual language, but more importantly, takes care to explain the metaphysical assumptions behind classical and modern logic, and to relate the concepts to the lofty matters to which they point. Top-notch work; I need to encounter more from Kreeft.
August 2, 2024
Just a great handbook for understanding the basics of Socratic Logic. I’m thankful for this book, and will definitely refer back to it in teaching it over the years. I think this would be more meaningful for a person more well-versed in the writings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, but my lack of knowledge didn’t prevent me from accessing much of the book. I look forward to reading more of Kreeft someday!
June 6, 2020
I did not read this straight through. I used this as a guide to teach a logic class when the prescribed curriculum failed me. I haven't read all of it, but I have read quite a bit and have studied it enough that I feel comfortable marking it "read."
I will likely return to it in the fall and use it to teach my children logic at home.
I will likely return to it in the fall and use it to teach my children logic at home.
December 13, 2020
This was the main text for my Socratic Logic course at Southern Evangelical Seminary. Our professor referenced it heavily in his lectures. Author Peter Kreeft’s presentation in this title is excellent. He offers content to beginning Logic students in a way that is respectful to the material, while still retaining a lighthearted tone. I highly enjoyed this work.
July 16, 2023
For a philosopher studied in formal logic, this book kicked my butt for a good reason. The re-education is part of looking into philosophy that is less abstract and more practical and phenomenological. Kreeft succeeds in his plethora of exercises from various authors to test logic concepts from De Beauvoir to Augustine and beyond.
April 20, 2025
Excellent. But for a few sentences and minor points of theology that I would disagree with, Kreeft masterfully organizes ancient logical instruction and applies it to the modern world (which, in fact, is not so different from Socrates’ world - nothing is new under the sun).
August 7, 2025
The large amount of examples and exercises and the writing style are fantastic as is the general organization of the book. If it weren't for the ubiquitous rants about symbolic logic which is good when used well, but not when used poorly, this book would have earned 5 stars.
March 30, 2019
Excellent rendition
April 30, 2019
A useful text. Well worth the money.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews