Tag: logic
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A recurring error in the Socratic method
It is extraordinarily naive to hope to find the truth by asking random questions. Even if we ask lots of questions, there is no the slightest guarantee that we will get closer to the truth. Even Socrates himself never claimed that “the Socratic method” was infallible or foolproof. What is the proof that I am…
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How to practise the Socratic method
If someone had directly asked Socrates (469-399 BC) how to practise the Socratic method, I fear that no answer would be forthcoming. Socrates would have been puzzled to learn that his practice of asking questions had been baptised “a method.” Indeed, when analysing the Socratic questioning recorded in Plato’s works, the impression is more chaotic…
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Morality in Aristotle’s teachings on logic and reasoning
The choice of a method in logic determines all other choices in your life. It determines the scope and depth of your thinking, your concept of happiness, your drive and your steadfastness. In contrast to other systems of logic, the one delineated by Aristotle (384-322 BC) understands the importance of purpose and gives a central…
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The superiority of Aristotle’s teachings on logic and reasoning
If your logic is slightly wrong, even one per cent wrong, you will end up completely lost fairly soon. Over time, your errors will compound and the consequences will eventually wipe you out. No one can escape the deleterious effects of faulty logic. There are three aspects that render Aristotelian logic vastly superior to other…
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Key ideas in Aristotle’s teachings on logic and reasoning
The philosophy of logic and reason developed by Aristotle (384-322 BC) is different from computer logic, religious logic, and other types of logic that have existed in history. There are three distinct features that render Aristotelian logic unique. I’m going to present those three features, one by one. First, Aristotelian logic is linked to language.…
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Aristotle’s teachings on logic and reasoning
If fourteen-year old students received a solid introduction to Aristotle’s logic, it would change their lives; it could help them stay away from trouble, prevent bad decisions and acquire self-confidence. Aristotle (384-322 BC) did not teach ready-made solutions, but methods for solving problems. The purpose of logic is to see beyond the obvious, assess the…
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The failed crusade against Aristotle’s philosophy of logic
The philosophical innovations brought forth by Aristotle (384-322 BC) are momentous, truly revolutionary, especially in the field of logic. His identification of a precise method (which he called syllogism) to reach accurate conclusions allowed, for the first time in history, to conduct rational debates. Modern civilization is built on the pillars of Aristotle’s logic and…
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Cultural impact of Aristotle’s philosophy of logic
The cultural impact of Aristotle’s philosophy of logic begins with Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), who undertook to couple Christian theology to Aristotelian philosophy. The combination is far from self-evident and Aquinas did it only by twisting the ideas of Aristotle almost beyond recognition. In his “Summa Theologiae,” Aquinas provides a systematic presentation on how to merge…
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Accuracy in Aristotle’s philosophy of logic
It is not an exaggeration to say that Aristotle (384-322 BC) made modern civilisation possible. He invented formal logic at a time where most of humanity could neither read nor write. If it wasn’t for Aristotle’s contribution to philosophy, we wouldn’t enjoy such a high standard of living nowadays. In his book “Prior Analytics,” Aristotle…
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Aristotle’s philosophy of logic
When Aristotle was born in 384 BC, logic was in its infancy and indistinguishable from rhetoric; the ancient Greeks viewed rhetoric as useful because it could help them secure a business deal or win a case in court. The purpose of rhetoric was to win; logic (even twisted logic) was just part of its arsenal.…
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Recent Posts
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