10 steps to be logical

Main thing

To be logical means to follow the rules of logic, which allow us to find the truth and not be misguided by others. Logical reasoning is a structured approach to thinking that ensures our reasoning is valid and sound. Here are the 8 steps to logical reasoning, illustrated with a continuous example from an advertisement claim:

1. Define Concepts: Clearly define the concepts involved. Example: An ad claims, "All our customers are happy." By defining "happy," we start on a path of logical inquiry, avoiding the trap of vague promises.

2. Identify Premises: Locate the statements that serve as the starting points. Example: The premise here is that customer satisfaction leads to happiness.

3. Formulate Statements: Create statements that logically follow from the premises. Example: "If customer satisfaction leads to happiness, then evidence of satisfaction should be visible in customer feedback."

4. Apply Deductive Machinery: Use logical rules to derive conclusions from the premises. Example: "Given that there is positive customer feedback, we can conclude that the customers are likely satisfied and thus happy."

5. Come to a Conclusion: Synthesize the results to reach a final conclusion. Example: "Therefore, to validate the ad's claim, one should look for substantial positive feedback from customers."

6. Evaluate Validity and Soundness: Check if the argument is both valid and sound. Example: The argument holds valid if positive feedback directly correlates with happiness.

7. Identify Logical Fallacies: Look for errors in reasoning. Example: Assuming that "all customers" are represented by a few testimonials could be a hasty generalization.

8. Engage in Critical Analysis: Continuously question and analyze each step. Example: Investigating whether all kinds of feedback have been equally considered or if negative feedback has been omitted.

Terms

• Concepts – Ideas or categories involved in reasoning. Example: "Happy."

• Premises – Statements accepted as true for the argument. Example: "Customer satisfaction leads to happiness."

• Statements – Propositions that logically follow from the premises. Example: "Evidence of satisfaction should be visible in customer feedback."

• Conclusion – The final point reached by reasoning. Example: "To validate the ad's claim, one should look for substantial positive feedback from customers."

• Validity – When the conclusion logically follows from the premises. Example: Valid if positive feedback correlates with happiness.

• Soundness – When an argument is valid and the premises are true. Example: Sound if the premise that satisfaction leads to happiness is accurate.

• Logical Fallacies – Errors in reasoning. Example: "All customers are happy" based on a few testimonials.

• Critical Analysis – The ongoing evaluation of each reasoning step. Example: Assessing the representation of all customer feedback.

An analogy

Logical reasoning is like solving a puzzle. Each piece (premise) must fit with the others in a certain way (according to logical rules) to see the whole picture (conclusion).

A main misconception

A common misconception is that a valid argument guarantees the truth of the conclusion. However, validity only means that if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true. The premises themselves must also be verified for the argument to be sound.

The history

1. Aristotle's Era (384–322 BC): Aristotle formalizes the principles of deductive reasoning.

2. Medieval Logic (5th–15th Century): Logic becomes a central study in medieval universities.

3. 19th Century: The development of symbolic logic, paving the way for modern logical analysis.

4. 20th Century: The expansion of logic with the advent of computer science and artificial intelligence, significantly influencing various fields.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Evaluating an Investment Offer: An advertisement claims, "Invest with us and double your money in a year." By defining "double" and identifying premises such as the average return rate on investments, one can formulate statements and apply deductive reasoning to assess the claim's validity. Critical analysis might reveal the need for evidence of such returns and identify any logical fallacies in the promise.

2. Assessing a Political Speech: A politician promises, "Our policies will make everyone wealthier." By defining "wealthier" and identifying the premises behind the policies, logical reasoning can help evaluate the soundness of the claim, encouraging a look for evidence supporting the policies' effectiveness and identifying any oversimplifications.

3. Choosing a Product Based on Reviews: When deciding between products, one claims, "Rated best product of the year." Defining "best" and identifying the criteria for this rating allows for logical evaluation of the claim, encouraging examination of the reviews and comparison with other products to make an informed decision.

Interesting facts

• The earliest known systematic study of logic was conducted by Aristotle.

• Symbolic logic, which uses symbols to represent logical forms, was developed in the 19th century.

• Logic puzzles, such as Sudoku, can help improve logical reasoning skills.

• Computers use a form of logic called Boolean logic to perform operations.

• Logical fallacies are often used in advertising and politics to persuade without valid reasoning.