A Concise Introduction To Logic

A Concise Introduction To Logic (pdf) by PATRICK J. HURLEY – 12 ed. pdf 

A Concise Introduction To Logic  by PATRICK J. HURLEY - 12 ed.The new edition of A Concise Introduction to Logic maintains the texts tradition of careful sequencing, precision, elegance, and clarity, by retaining a number of signature features:

  •  Chapters are organized so that earlier sections provide the foundation for later ones. Later sections can be skipped by instructors opting to do so.
  • The main points are always presented up front so students cannot possibly miss them.
  •  Relevant and up-to-date examples are used extensively.
  • Key terms are introduced in boldface type and defined in the Glossary/Index.
  • Central concepts are illustrated in graphic boxes.
  • Numerous exercises, many drawn from real-life sources such as newspapers, textbooks, and magazines, are included to perfect student skills—the current edition includes nearly 2,700 exercises.
  • Biographical vignettes of prominent logicians are included to give logic a human face.
  • Dialogue exercises illustrate the application of logical principles to real-life situations.
  • Venn diagrams for syllogisms are presented in a novel and more effective way, using color to identify the relevant areas.
  • End-of-chapter summaries facilitate student review.
  • Every third exercise is answered in the back of the book so students can check their work.
  • Important rules and tables are printed on the inside covers for ready access, and, in the current edition, they are also presented on a tear-out card.

The most immediate benefit derived from the study of logic is the skill needed to construct sound arguments of ones own and to evaluate the arguments of others. In accomplishing this goal, logic instills a sensitivity for the formal component in language, a thorough command of which is indispensable to clear, effective, and meaningful communication.

On a broader scale, by focusing attention on the requirement for reasons or evidence to support our views, logic provides a fundamental defense against the prejudiced and uncivilized attitudes that threaten the foundations of our democratic society.

Finally, through its attention to inconsistency as a fatal flaw in any theory or point of view, logic proves a useful device in disclosing ill-conceived policies in the political sphere and, ultimately, in distinguishing the rational from the irrational, the sane from the insane. This book is written with the aim of securing these benefits.

PART I
INFORMAL LOGIC

1 Basic Concepts
2 Language: Meaning and Definition no
3 Informal Fallacies

PART II
FORMAL LOGIC

4 Categorical Propositions
5 Categorical Syllogisms
6 Propositional Logic
7 Natural Deduction in Propositional Logic
8 Predicate Logic

PART III
INDUCTIVE LOGIC

9 Analogy and Legal and Moral Reasoning
10 Causality and Mill’s Methods
11 Probability
12 Statistical Reasoning
13 Hypothetical/Scientific Reasoning
14 Science and Superstition

Answers to Selected Exercises
Glossary/lndex