Introduction to Elementary Logic
Introduction to Elementary Logic, which serves as an introduction to the discipline of logic and explores both its traditional and modern aspects, consists of two main sections. The first section addresses the conceptual background of traditional logic, while the second section aims to acquaint readers with logic on both a conceptual and practical level through modern syntactic and semantic methods. The first section, titled “Traditional Logic”, provides readers with a solid conceptual foundation for the discipline of logic. This section compiles the Aristotelian system of logic and the unique contributions of the Islamic logical tradition. By focusing on the terms tasawwur and tasdiq, the section examines the fundamental elements that constitute conceptual and propositional knowledge, analyzing the building blocks of cognition. Thus, the section highlights the primary function of logic: to organize thought and ensure consistency, or in other words, to establish the logical basis for correct reasoning. Additionally, traditional (classical) topics in logic, such as the five universals, categories, and types of propositions, are enriched with examples to enhance the section’s content. The second section, titled “Propositional Logic”, complements the knowledge of traditional logic with modern approaches to propositional logic. The section begins with technical subjects such as the formalization of propositions, logical connectives, and well-formed formulas, continuing with a semantic presentation of propositional logic. This provides a comprehensive analysis of both the formal (syntactic) and semantic dimensions of modern logic. Within the section, logical connections between propositions are explained clearly and accessibly through examples using truth tables, analytic tableaux, and natural deduction methods. Introduction to Elementary Logic is the product of a concise yet comprehensive approach to the field of logic. It aims to serve as a fundamental reference for both newcomers to the discipline and those who wish to learn modern methods in the field of logic.
Keywords: Traditional logic, propositional logic, conception, assent, inference