What are some good books to study mathematical logic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on recommendations for books to study mathematical logic, particularly from the perspective of a computer science student seeking to improve their understanding of various logical frameworks. The scope includes introductory materials as well as advanced topics in logic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to understand the differences between symbolic logic, first-order logic, propositional calculus, model theory, and lambda calculus, and seeks guidance on suitable books for beginners and advanced topics.
  • Another participant shares their experience solving the Knights and Knaves puzzle using logic and recommends a PDF as a good introductory resource, along with a book from the "For Dummies" series.
  • A participant asks for clarification on more advanced topics beyond basic logic.
  • Another participant reflects on their limited knowledge, mentioning their study of proofs and the relationship between logic and abstract mathematical theorems, as well as the notion that any equation can be viewed as a proposition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on specific book recommendations or advanced topics, and multiple viewpoints regarding the depth of understanding in logic are expressed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate uncertainty about their current knowledge level and the broader implications of logic in mathematics and computing, suggesting that the discussion may be limited by varying levels of familiarity with the subject.

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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