What are some good books to study mathematical logic?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on foundational resources for studying mathematical logic, particularly for beginners. The user expresses a desire to understand concepts such as symbolic logic, first-order logic, propositional calculus, model theory, and lambda calculus. Recommended resources include the "Logic for Dummies" book and a PDF introduction to discrete mathematics. The user aims to solve logic puzzles like Knights and Knaves and recognizes the importance of logic in mathematical proofs and computing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of mathematical proofs
  • Familiarity with set notation
  • Knowledge of logical statements and propositions
  • Interest in problem-solving with logic puzzles
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore "Mathematical Logic" by Stephen Cole Kleene for a comprehensive overview
  • Study "Introduction to Mathematical Logic" by Elliott Mendelson for advanced topics
  • Learn about first-order logic and its applications in formal proofs
  • Investigate model theory and its significance in understanding mathematical structures
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for computer science students, mathematics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of mathematical logic and its applications in problem-solving and proofs.

Maths Absorber
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I am a CS student and have a very poor understanding of this field of mathematics. I don't properly know the difference in between symbolic logic, first order logic, propositional calculus, model theory and lambda calculus. But, I want to start studying logic formally from the very basic.

I'd like to be able to solve some seemingly simple puzzles like the Lady and the Tiger, or Knights and Knaves. I'd like to be able to get to a level where I'd be able to solve these questions easily, with the approach of mathematical logic rather than intuitive heuristics.

Can someone guide me as to what books are good, where I can begin and what are some more advanced books and topics I can work up to later on ?
 
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I actually solved the knights and the knaves using logic.. It was glorious xD

Here is a nice introduction:
http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mepres/alevel/discrete_ch10.pdf

A book I am using is in the for dummies series..called logic for dummies.

the knight and the knaves can be solved after reading that PDF alone, those are very basic, just scratching the surface of logic.
 
Can you tell me about some of the things that lie beyond the surface?
 
Maths Absorber said:
Can you tell me about some of the things that lie beyond the surface?

I really don't know too much.. I have only reached so far as to study proofs using logic. Set notation can be expressed logically..I think logic is central to proving some of the more abstract math theorems. Computing uses logic, software etc..

Any equation can also be called a proposition...a logical statement.. Its one of the things about mathematics I am seeing so far, there are many ways of seeing one concept..at least, how I feel.
 
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