Exploring the Branch of Philosophy That Deals with Arguments: Logic

Logic is the branch of philosophy that deals with arguments. It focuses on the principles of valid reasoning and argumentation, examining the structure of arguments, the validity of inferences, and the criteria for sound reasoning. This article delves into the various subfields of logic, including formal logic, informal logic, and symbolic logic, each of which explores different aspects of argumentation and reasoning processes.

Formal Logic

Formal logic involves using a partly symbolic and partly linguistic logical syntax to analyze arguments and determine their validity. It can be illustrated with an example:

You analyze a real-life argument and reduce it to its logical framework. You determine whether it is a valid argument, meaning that the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

Formal logic is a great way to analyze arguments whose conclusions might evoke strong feelings. By breaking down arguments this way, logical analysis can help to identify flawed reasoning and strengthen valid arguments.

The Foundations of Valid Argumentation in Epistemology

The rules of valid argumentation are the subject of epistemology, which is the branch of philosophy that deals with how we know. Epistemology covers a wide range of topics, including early Greek philosophers like Aristotle who wrote the first systematic treatise on the subject, referred to as the Organon. The Organon includes works such as the Categories, which cover attributes that may be predicated of a thing, definitions, and how definitions are formed.

The Categories and Definitions

The Categories discuss what can be predicated of a thing, such as defining attributes like 'surface.' For instance, Aristotle defined 'surface' as 'the limit of an object.' Definitions themselves are discussed in depth, with a proper definition including a thing in a wider class and then differentiating it from everything else in its class by its unique characteristic. For example, an automobile might be defined as a powered vehicle with four wheels, built for the purpose of conveying a small number of passengers.

Inductive Logic

Inductive logic is the method of forming general principles regarding similar members of a class, proceeding from particular to general. It is extensively used in the scientific method to identify causal principles. Inductive logic can move from identifying regularities in nature to establishing causal factors. For instance, observing the sun rising each morning can lead to the formation of a general principle that the sun will rise each morning, all things being equal.

Deductive Logic

Deductive logic, on the other hand, is the method of reasoning from general principles to individual instances. Despite being one of the most straightforward forms of logic, it is often seen as an exemplar of logic and reasoning. A classic example is:

Socrates is a man.
All men are mortal.
Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

This example demonstrates that if the premises are true and the form of the argument is valid, the conclusion must be true. Deductive logic provides a structured framework for understanding and assessing the strength of arguments.

For a more comprehensive cover of the topic, one can refer to Aristotle's Logic. However, it is important to note that epistemology covers much more than just these aspects for the formation of concepts. Ayn Rand’s “Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology” offers a lucid primer on her theory of universals and other related topics.

Understanding the foundations of argumentation and reasoning is crucial in navigating the complex world of philosophical inquiry. By studying logic, one can enhance their ability to construct and evaluate arguments, thereby improving their overall reasoning skills.