Logic For Dummies (For Dummies (Math and Science))

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 384 pages
• Published by: For Dummies November 29, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0471799416
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0471799412
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

Product Description
Logic concepts are more mainstream than you may realize. There’s logic every place you look and in almost everything you do, from deciding which shirt to buy to asking your boss for a raise, and even to watching television, where themes of such shows as CSI and Numbers incorporate a variety of logistical studies. Logic For Dummies explains a vast array of logical concepts and processes in easy-to-understand language that make everything clear to you, whether you’re a college student of a student of life. You’ll find out about:

• Formal Logic
• Syllogisms
• Constructing proofs and refutations
• Propositional and predicate logic
• Modal and fuzzy logic
• Symbolic logic
• Deductive and inductive reasoning

Logic For Dummies tracks an introductory logic course at the college level. Concrete, real-world examples help you understand each concept you encounter, while fully worked out proofs and fun logic problems encourage you students to apply what you’ve learned.

Back Cover Copy
Features real-world examples and worked-out proofs

Clarify your thinking and apply logic to everyday life

Looking to learn logic, but feel lost? Relax! This friendly guide explains logic concepts in plain English, from proofs, predicate logic, and paradox to symbolic logic, semantic structures, and syllogisms. Step-by-step examples show you how to build and prove logical arguments and put equivalence rules to work. You even get tips on passing logic exams!

Discover how to

• Gain a logical perspective
• Evaluate statements with truth tables
• Construct proofs and refutations
• Prove arguments with quantifier logic
• Make logical conclusions
• Grasp quantum and fuzzy logic

Reader Reviews
If a book is informative and well-written, then it is a good book. In the world of logic, if the antecedent ("if a book is informative and well-written") is true, then the consequent ("then it is a good book") must also be true. Furthermore, for an "and" statement to be true, both of its components (informative, well-written) must individually be true. So, is Logic for Dummies by Mark Zegarelli a good book? It is informative. After a brief overview of logic (including its history), Zegarelli gets into the meat of logic, with a particular focus on sentential and quantifier logic. Of course, these terms mean little to the novice in logic, but he gives plenty of explanation as to what both are. Both are considered forms of classical logic and reduce statements to what are essentially formulas of letters and symbols. In a way, it's like mathematics in its approach to proofs. It's not always easy to breeze through, but with patience, it all adds up. Beyond classical logic, Zegarelli also gives the reader a brief introduction into other, sometimes more exotic, forms of logic. It is well-written. This means two things. First, Zegarelli is able to convey his information in an understandable fashion. That is not to say it is always easy to understand at first glance, but (as stated before), if you carefully follow his explanation, it makes sense. Second, it is readable. It is possible to be both informative and clear and still read dryly; Zegarelli writes with a light, occasionally humorous, tone that makes the reading much more enjoyable. So logically, this is a good book, as the "if" part is true. Is it a great book? Not quite, which is why I'm rating it four stars and not five. Despite its generally being informative and well-written, it lacks the quality of excellence. There are times when Zegarelli could illustrate his topics better, and there are some topics (such as paradoxes and logical fallacies) that he could delve into deeper. But even if not perfect, this serves as a good introduction to the subject (as "Dummies" books often do), so if you want to learn more about logic, this book is a good place to start.