How Do We Reason?: An Introduction to Logic, By Forrest E. Baird
How Do We Reason?
paperback
  • Length: 264 pages
  • Dimensions: 6 × 9 in
  • Published: April 20, 2021
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • Item Code: 5515
  • ISBN: 9780830855155

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How do we think? What does a faithful use of logic look like?

Without even pausing to think about it, we exercise our capacity for rational thought. But how exactly does logic work? What makes some arguments valid and others not?

In this Questions in Christian Philosophy volume, philosopher Forrest Baird offers an introduction to logic. He considers the basic building blocks of human reason, including types of arguments, fallacies, syllogisms, symbols, and proofs, all of which are demonstrated with exercises for students throughout. In addition, he reflects on the relationship between the use of reason and the Christian faith.

With this academic but accessible primer, readers will be introduced to the basics of logic—and encouraged to reason better.

The Questions in Christian Philosophy Series features introductory textbooks that offer students a Christian perspective on the various branches of philosophy, enabling them as they seek to understand all facets of life including existence, knowledge, ethics, art, and more.

"Chock full of real-life and timely examples, judiciously calibrated and measured in scope, this altogether student-friendly and accessible primer for learning—and learning well—the rudimentary principles of logic hits just the right note. An ideal choice for an introductory logic course, it can serve as at least a partial antidote to a cultural moment rife with strong emotion and unbridled passion but too often conspicuously deficient in intellectual rigor. Baird would make John Wesley proud! Warmly recommended."

David Baggett, professor of philosophy and director of the Center for Moral Apologetics at Houston Baptist University

"How Do We Reason? is an informative, accessible, practical, and lucid guide to logical reasoning—a fresh and insightful resource for a new generation of thoughtful Christians."

Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and coauthor of An Introduction to Biblical Ethics
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CONTENTS

Series Introduction: Questions in Christian Philosophy
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Introducing Logic

Unit I: Sentences
2. The Functions of Language
3. Informal Fallacies

Unit II: Syllogisms
4. Standard-Form Categorical Propositions
5. Standard-Form Categorical Syllogisms
6. Syllogisms in Ordinary Language

Unit III: Symbols
7. Symbols and Statements
8. Symbols and Arguments

Answers for Selected Assignments
Index

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Forrest E. Baird

Forrest E. Baird (PhD, Claremont Graduate University) is emeritus professor of philosophy at Whitworth University. He is the editor of the Philosophic Classics anthology, including Ancient Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, Nineteenth-Century Philosophy, Twentieth-Century Philosophy, Asian Philosophy, and From Plato to Derrida.