5. Logic

Now it’s time to consider the fourth core branch of Philosophy: LogicThe study of correct reasoning.. You have no doubt come across the term “logic” before in day-to-day conversation, but most people aren’t aware of the formal subject of Logic and its history.

In this module, we’ll explore how arguments are structured and whether they follow valid principles. We’ll return to the Ancient Greeks again with Aristotle’s foundational work on syllogisms. Next, we’ll look at Gottlob Frege’s development of predicate logicA type of logic that expanded on syllogisms and enabled more complex reasoning.. Finally, we’ll explore Ludwig Wittgenstein’s contributions to the movement of logical positivismA movement that argues a statement is only meaningful if it can be verified through observation..

By the end of this module, you’ll not only understand what logic is but also why it is vital for Philosophy, Science, and everyday decision-making.