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Logic

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A diagram showing how to turn an English sentence into a logic statement using symbols.

What Is Logic?

Logic is a way to think clearly and make good choices. It helps us know if something we hear or read makes sense. When we use logic, we look at facts and see if they fit together right.

People have used logic for thousands of years. One of the first big thinkers about logic was Aristotle. He lived a long time ago and helped people learn how to reason better.

Two Main Kinds of Logic

There are two main kinds of logic: formal and informal. Formal logic uses special rules and symbols to check if ideas fit together. Informal logic looks at everyday talking and helps us understand arguments we hear around us.

Logic helps us in many places. It is used in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. In computer science, logic helps make sure computers follow the right steps.

Making Good Choices

When we use logic, we start with premises. These are facts we already know. Then we move to a conclusion, which is what we figure out from those facts. For example, if we know it is Sunday and we know Sundays are days off, we can conclude we do not have to work.

Logic helps us see if our conclusions are right. If the premises are true and the rules fit, then the conclusion is also true. This way, logic helps us make better decisions every day.

Images

A diagram showing the logical rule of modus ponens, which helps us understand how to draw conclusions from given statements.
A marble bust of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, showcasing classical Roman sculpture.
Portrait of William of Occam, a medieval philosopher known for his contributions to logic and philosophy.
Diagram showing how a transistor AND gate works in electronics.
Bronze bust of Gottlob Frege, a famous mathematician and philosopher, displayed in Wismar, Germany.
A classical bust of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates.

Related articles

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Logic, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.