Schaum's Outline of Logic

The explosive progress of logic, since Frege, has produced applications in linguistics, mathematics and computer science. Students and practitioners of any of these fields, and of philosophy, will find this book an excellent reference or introduction. Now expanded to include non-classical logic, logic for the computer, and more. The central concepts are explained as they come into play in informal writing and conversation --argument, validity, relevance, and so on. This study guide progresses to concepts such as probability calculus.

One of the more interesting chapter covers fallacious arguments.


excellent intro to logic for anyone   September 15, 2001
M. Rumore (Oswego, il USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

If you are learning logic for the first time, either as a non-mathematician or as an engineer, then this is an excellent place to start. The book covers propositional calculus, predicate calculus, induction, and of interest to computer science majors with an interest in automated reasoning, it covers refutation trees and probability calculus. The book does have a peculiar approach to predicate calculus that it does not include functions when it first covers predicate calculus. Functions are introduced in a later chapter. A very interesting chapter covers fallacious forms of argument. Overall, an excellent introduction to logic.


The best intro. to Logic book around   April 22, 1999
Altair (Fremont, CA USA)
13 out of 15 found this review helpful

If you only study one logic book, this Schaum's outline should be the one. This book makes clear what other books leave fuzzy and unclear. And its price is a fraction that of other books! If, after studying this Schaum's book, you want to go deeper into sentential logic, then study "Intro. to Logic" by Copi. If you want to understand the more informal use of logic in mathematical proofs, then I recommend studying Schaum's first, and then "How to Prove It", by Daniel Velleman.


The Tool (Your Mind)   September 17, 2006
J. Alexander (San Diego, CA)
5 out of 8 found this review helpful

To solve the riddle beguiling the world
School your mind in the fine art of logic:
No method besides will conjure the clues.

The cosmos concealed is cut and unfurled
By disciples of proof; earthbound magic
Spies the truth behind the mystical ruse.

Unable to deal with angel or ghost?
Take a leaf from the good book of nature;
The rational choice discarded by most:
Plain wisdom reveals the wonders that are.
Reject the unreal and you'll travel far
Out of the past and into the future!

With Aristotle's labor near to hand,
A powerful tool is yours to command.

-Jate



A book better than Copi's thick volume   October 16, 2001
Xu Qiang (Singapore)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

Although it is thinner than Copi's, I think the author processes the tutorial in a better way, more appealing to me, at least. It is a necessary for a beginner at the gate of logic. It suffices the three standards of a good textbook: general, simple and clear. After that, you can go deeper in some specific areas.
In short, I recommend this book without reservation.