UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS
LOGIC
George Nyongesa - 0720451235
Offices: GW 301 (1) 3rd floor
Lecture Notes
[2016]

Introduction to Logic
1. Introduction
Logic is fundamental to the way humans communicate. Our public debates and private
reasoning; conversations and sharing of information are shaped by logical principles, even
though most of us would struggle to spell them out. Logic is supposed to be natural to
humans but in some people it is hardly developed. For instance, some people make self
contradicting arguments without realization of the mistakes. In other cases, some people hold
contradicting knowledge, beliefs, values, positions or truths without shame.

Introduction to Logic will teach you the basics of formal logic, which provides symbolic
methods for representing and assessing the logical form of arguments. You will develop an
understanding of symbolic language and logic, as well as familiarity with precise models of
inductive and deductive reasoning. However, no previous experience with symbolic methods
or mathematics is assumed. There are no prerequisites, but many students find that Argument
and Critical Thinking is a useful preliminary.

2. Questions in logic
-What is logic about? What are the most important systems of logic? Why do we need
logic? And why does it have to be formal?
3. Definition of Logic:
a) is sub-discipline (element) of philosophy concerned with evaluating the nature of how we
actually think and reason.
b) it is the systematic study of valid inference
c) it is study of arguments
d) it is a philosophy of reasoning
4. Difference between opinion and fact
a) An opinion is something that someone believes to be true.
b) A fact is something that is true, irrespective of your belief.

NOTE: Sometimes people disagree about what the fact of the matter is with regard to a
certain question. In those cases, there are many opinions, but only one fact. Those people
whose opinion agrees with the facts are CORRECT; those who have other opinions are
INCORRECT.
5. Based on our above assertion on opinion and facts, some points to remember:
a) Just because there is disagreement about what the facts are DOES NOT mean that there is
no fact of the matter.
b) Something can be a fact even if no one, or even if very few people, believe it.
(Copernicus's opinion that the Earth revolved around the sun was a fact, even before he
managed to prove it and even before anyone else believed it.)
c) Just because people disagree about something does NOT mean that the thing in question
is “true for some people” but not “true for others”.
d) Most things we talk about in philosophy are not in any way relative or subjective, in the
same way that tastes in music or food are relative. If God exists, God exists for everyone
everywhere, and those people who believe that there is no God are mistaken. This may
not sound nice, but it's the only coherent thing to say.
e) If you believe something is true, then you cannot coherently NOT believe that people
who believe that it is not true are mistaken.
f) It is not an objection or opposition (for instance in a debate) to something to call it “just
an opinion” or “just a theory”.

6. Importance of studying Logic

a) is a foundational discipline to any discipline that make use of arguments such as
Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Philosophy.
b) it is essential to the study of reasoning or argumentation.
c) it helps reduce confusion or conflicts as a result of vague language or ambiguous
statements.
d) it helps one avoid to jumping to unjustified conclusion or assertions due to strong
emotions/convictions.
e) it is useful in human planning and execution of the plan to attain goals and objectives in
life.
f) without understanding the principles of logic, knowledge is only memorization and lacks
true understanding.
g) it enhances problem solving ability
h) it enhances conceptual ability necessary for exploring ideas in theoretical world
i) it prepares individual for actions that are certain as actions are based on proper
understanding.
j) it helps individual to know what is correct thinking and why its correct.
k) it is useful in distinguishing correct from incorrect; good from bad reasoning.
l) it is useful tool in search for truth and subsequent understanding of reality of
world/universe.
m) studying logic is useful in identifying fallacious arguments in conversations and
intellectual presentations.
n) it is the most certain way of understanding reality and therefore knowledge.
o) it arms individuals with analytical and critical thinking skills.
p) it is an effective tool for persuasion in debate and speeches.

What other importance can you think of?