Where Can I Find a Quality Logic Textbook for My Physics Degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding quality logic textbooks suitable for a physics degree, with participants sharing recommendations and exploring the relevance of various texts in the field of logic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to purchase a good logic textbook without integrating it into their physics degree.
  • Another participant mentions plans to read Russell's writings on logic, questioning their current relevance.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of historical context in logic, with one participant noting that earlier works may lack revisions made by later thinkers like Russell.
  • A participant asks for clarification on what aspects of logic the original poster is interested in, suggesting different focuses such as argument forms, symbolic calculus, or foundational issues in mathematics.
  • Recommendations include Kleene's 'Mathematical Logic' for a comprehensive study and suggestions to check local university textbooks for introductory courses.
  • Another participant recommends A.C. Grayling's 'An Introduction to Philosophical Logic' as a well-written and thorough textbook.
  • There is a question raised about the differences between mathematical and philosophical logic, noting that mathematical logic is a subset of philosophical logic.
  • Links to MIT OpenCourseware resources on logic are shared for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of older texts in logic and the specific focus areas of interest in studying logic, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus on the best approach or resources.

Contextual Notes

Some participants acknowledge their lack of formal training in logic, which may influence the depth of their recommendations and discussions.

Shackleford
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I'm not squeezing this into my degree (Physics), but I'd like to buy a good Logic textbook online or whatever. Thanks.
 
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I plan on making my way through Russells writings on the subject at some point. They may be outdated now, however.
 
Gwilim said:
I plan on making my way through Russells writings on the subject at some point. They may be outdated now, however.

Does that really matter in logic?

What other textbooks would you recommend?
 
Shackleford said:
Does that really matter in logic?

What other textbooks would you recommend?

To some extent, yes it does. While logical truth is constant human understanding of it is not. For example, anything written before Russell will not include the revisions he made. In fact Aristotlean logic was still popular well into the nineteenth century.

I am keyboard jockeying a little here as I've never received any formal training in logic, you're probably best off waiting until someone more knowledgeable comes along to answer your question.
 
Heh. Yeah. I'm waiting for someone knowledgeable to chime in here.
 
What do you want to know about logic? Do you want to know various latin names for common argument forms? Do you want to learn a symbolic calculus for propositions and logical connectives? Do you want to learn about deep issues near the foundation of mathematics?

If want something substantial that covers a lot of ground in depth, then a reasonably heavyweight choice is Kleen 'Mathematical Logic.' If you just want to learn the propositional calculus and a fiew latin words, then just look at what textbook your local university uses for Symbolic logic or Reasoning courses. Choosing between these school books is like choosing an intro calculus book: just go with a cheap one.
 
ExactlySolved said:
What do you want to know about logic? Do you want to know various latin names for common argument forms? Do you want to learn a symbolic calculus for propositions and logical connectives? Do you want to learn about deep issues near the foundation of mathematics?

If want something substantial that covers a lot of ground in depth, then a reasonably heavyweight choice is Kleen 'Mathematical Logic.' If you just want to learn the propositional calculus and a fiew latin words, then just look at what textbook your local university uses for Symbolic logic or Reasoning courses. Choosing between these school books is like choosing an intro calculus book: just go with a cheap one.

This book?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486425339/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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Yeah, and for that price I would recommend it.
 
ExactlySolved said:
Yeah, and for that price I would recommend it.

I'm trying to find a hardcover in very good condition.
 
  • #10
If you are looking for a particularly well written and thorough textbook introducing the major principles of philosophical logic, then I cannot recommend this book enough.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0631199829/?tag=pfamazon01-20

It's An Introduction to Philosophical Logic by A.C. Grayling and it's a university level textbook. But very readable.
 
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  • #11
What's the difference between the Mathematical and Philosophical Logic books? I know mathematical logic is a subset of philosophical logic.
 
  • #12
From the MIT OpenCourseware page:
Logic I
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Linguistics-and-Philosophy/24-241Fall-2005/Readings/index.htm

Logic II
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Linguistics-and-Philosophy/24-242Spring-2004/LectureNotes/index.htm
 
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