Logic and critical thinking

Main thing

Logic and critical thinking are tools we use to think clearly and make decisions. They help us solve problems and understand complex issues. For example, when deciding which car to buy, you use logic to compare features and critical thinking to consider your needs and the seller's claims.

Commonalities:

• Both involve analyzing information.
  Example: Reviewing data to make a business decision.

• Both require the formation of reasoned conclusions.
  Example: Deciding on guilt or innocence in a jury trial.

• Both are used to solve problems.
  Example: Diagnosing a medical condition based on symptoms.

Differences:

• Logic is more about the structure of reasoning, while critical thinking is about evaluating the content.
  Example: Logic tells you that "if A then B" is a valid structure; critical thinking helps you decide if A is true.

• Logic is often more theoretical, critical thinking is practical.
  Example: Logic can prove a mathematical theorem; critical thinking can help you choose the best investment.

• Logic focuses on validity, critical thinking on soundness.
  Example: Logic checks if an argument is formed correctly; critical thinking checks if the argument's premises are true.

Terms

• Logic – The study of reasoning. It involves understanding how to form valid arguments and distinguish good reasoning from bad. Example: Using logic, we can deduce that if all humans are mortal, and Socrates is a human, then Socrates is mortal.

• Critical Thinking – The process of actively analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating information. It involves questioning assumptions and evidence. Example: In evaluating a news article, critical thinking helps us question the source's reliability and the arguments' validity.

• Argument – A set of statements where one is claimed to follow from the others. Example: "If it rains, the ground will be wet. It is raining. Therefore, the ground is wet."

• Premise – A statement in an argument that provides reason or support for the conclusion. Example: "All men are mortal" is a premise in the argument about Socrates being mortal.

• Conclusion – The statement in an argument that the premises support or demonstrate. Example: "Socrates is mortal" is the conclusion based on the given premises.

• Reasoned Conclusions – Decisions made by logically analyzing information. Example: A judge's verdict based on evidence presented during a trial.

• Validity – When the structure of an argument is correct and the conclusion follows logically from the premises. Example: If all fruits are healthy and an apple is a fruit, then apples are healthy.

• Soundness – When an argument is valid and its premises are actually true. Example: Since the premises "All fruits are healthy" and "An apple is a fruit" are true, the conclusion "Apples are healthy" is sound.

An analogy

Thinking of logic and critical thinking is like using a map and navigation skills on a journey. Logic provides the map, outlining the correct routes (rules of reasoning), while critical thinking is the navigation skill, deciding when to follow the map or take a detour based on current conditions (evaluating information and arguments).

A main misconception

Many people think logic and critical thinking can only be used in academic or professional fields. However, we use them daily without realizing it, like when deciding what to buy based on reviews (critical thinking) or understanding a cause-and-effect relationship (logic).

The history

1. Ancient Greece (7th century BCE) - Early development of logic by philosophers like Aristotle.

2. Middle Ages (5th to 15th century) - Logic was further developed in Islamic philosophy and European scholasticism.

3. Renaissance (14th to 17th century) - Renewed interest in classical logic, along with developments in scientific reasoning.

4. Modern Era (17th century onwards) - The foundation of modern logic by philosophers and mathematicians, including advancements in symbolic and mathematical logic.

5. 20th Century to Present - The growth of critical thinking as a distinct discipline, emphasizing the importance of reasoning in education and everyday life.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Evaluating News Articles: Use critical thinking to assess the credibility of sources and the strength of their arguments. Logic helps in understanding if the conclusions follow from the premises.

2. Making Financial Decisions: Apply logic to analyze the benefits and drawbacks of different financial options. Critical thinking allows questioning underlying assumptions and potential biases in advice.

3. Problem-Solving in Everyday Life: Use logic to identify cause-and-effect relationships in problems. Critical thinking helps in considering multiple solutions and evaluating their feasibility.

Interesting facts

• The word 'logic' comes from the Greek word 'logos', meaning reason or word.

• Aristotle's work on logic was considered comprehensive until the 19th century.

• Critical thinking as a formal discipline only emerged in the 20th century.

• Studies show teaching critical thinking skills can improve academic performance.

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