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Logic

Formal Sciences

Logic is the formal science studying the principles of valid inference and demonstration, distinguishing correct reasoning from incorrect reasoning through the structure of arguments rather than their subject matter. Ancient roots trace to Aristotle's systematic treatment of the syllogism in the fourth century BC, and Indian and Chinese traditions developed independent formal systems of their own. The nineteenth and twentieth centuries saw logic transformed into a symbolic, mathematical discipline through the work of figures such as George Boole and Gottlob Frege, work that underlies modern mathematics, computer science and the theory of computation.

Facts
Central Question
What makes an argument correct: whether a conclusion follows from its premises through the structure of the argument alone, independent of subject matter. 1
Scope
Logic studies the principles of correct reasoning, covering both formal deductive systems and informal argumentation, and plays a central role in philosophy, mathematics, computer science and linguistics. 1
Significance
Logic has been studied since antiquity through traditions including Aristotelian, Stoic, Nyaya and Mohist logic, and its nineteenth and twentieth century turn toward symbolic, mathematical systems underlies modern mathematics and computer science. 1
Logic
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Connections

Has Theory

Sources
1. Logic (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • Lead section, definition sentence
    Logic plays a central role in many fields, such as philosophy, mathematics, computer science, and linguistics.
  • Lead section, scope sentence
    It examines how conclusions follow from premises based on the structure of arguments alone, independent of their topic and content.
  • Lead section, closing sentence
    Logic has been studied since antiquity. Early approaches include Aristotelian logic, Stoic logic, Nyaya, and Mohism.
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