I have learned so much since the semester started. On September 7th, I knew nothing more about logic than that it was one of the classes I was taking. I now know that there are arguments and nonarguments. From arguments, you have to decide whether they are deductive or inductive. If it is deductive, you have to figure out whether it is valid or invalid(all are unsound) and then figure out the soundness. If it is inductive, you have to figure out whether it is strong or weak(all are uncogent) and then determine cogency. A month ago, this would have been like reading a foreign language, but after taking this class for a few weeks, I have learned so many new things. Now I just need to start understanding more of the new concepts. I know what they are, I just have to learn which ones work at which times. I am hoping that I will learn by continuing to do all of the homework problems and taking notes on each section.
Anybody have any other suggestions of how to get better at logic? other than practice, practice, practice
I can't agree with you more. I have already taken a logic course at a previous college and I am still learning.
ReplyDeletePractice is one of the best ways. However I feel there are other ways to practice than just doing problems you find in the book. Since logic is using reasoning I find that puzzles can be a great way to stimulate the mind. Words puzzles in particular can be very helpful.
I definitely agree, studying logic is like learning another language. It's even more applicable to everything you do than second languages. I don't know if you already do this, but you should go the library and talk to Kyle about questions and terms in general. It helps a lot. I also suggest memorizing some of the sections in the toolkit, especially the Intellectual Virtues, logical terms, and the informal fallacies.
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