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Logic for Language Learners

This document discusses the importance of logic and clear communication in evaluating arguments. It explains that logic connects language to reality through ideas that are based on objective facts in the world. There are two types of realities - subjective based on personal experience, and objective external facts. Logical truth comes from statements corresponding to ontological truth about what exists in reality. The purpose of logic is to arrive at truth by focusing on objective reality to form accurate ideas, thinking critically about findings, and communicating ideas clearly.

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232 views12 pages

Logic for Language Learners

This document discusses the importance of logic and clear communication in evaluating arguments. It explains that logic connects language to reality through ideas that are based on objective facts in the world. There are two types of realities - subjective based on personal experience, and objective external facts. Logical truth comes from statements corresponding to ontological truth about what exists in reality. The purpose of logic is to arrive at truth by focusing on objective reality to form accurate ideas, thinking critically about findings, and communicating ideas clearly.

Uploaded by

heidi_olson09
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BEING LOGICAL: Preparing the Mind for Logic

Logic and language are connected! This is why it is a difficult subject to learn if you are not learning it in your native language! It's also why clear communication is important in an argument. We cannot evaluate an argument if we do not understand it. We cannot argue something if we cannot communicate clearly.

Close your eyes and picture a cat. Three basic components to human knowledge: 1. Objective fact a cat 2. The idea of a cat 3. The word we apply to the idea, which allows us to communicate it to others. In English, cat. It all starts with the cat. If there were no real cats, there would be no idea about them and there would be no words for the idea.

Two kinds of reality: subjective and objective Subjective reality is limited to the subject experiencing it. Therefore it's only as trustworthy as the subject. Obective reality is the actual thing or event out there. Things An actual, existing object Events We have no direct evidence of past events but we have records. Our ideas are dependent on things and events outside ourselves.

The importance of perception Can you have an idea about something that does not exist?

Can you have an idea about something without having a word for it?

Truth
Is there such a thing as truth? What is truth? Logic is about reality. Reality is about truth. The purpose of logic and critical thinking is to arrive at truth.

Truth
Two kinds of truth Ontological Truth big word for a simple meaning. Saying something is ontologically true just means it exists. Example this computer, classroom, that guy over there. Logical Truth The truth of statements. A statement is an expression in language that you can say is either true or false. For example: Flora and Kimi are from China. Denny is from Mexico.

Truth
The Correspondence Theory A statement connects ideas of the mind (subjective reality) and reality (objective reality). Therefore, logical truth is based upon ontological truth.

We need to focus on the outside world, on objective reality so that we can have accurate ideas about the world. (Be good sponges!) We need to think critically about what we find. (Pan for gold) We need to communicate our ideas (subjective reality) clearly. The quality of your speech/language is connected to the quality of your thought.

In Conclusion

In Class Reflection
Respond to the following: Payap has a beautiful campus. What is this? Do you agree? Why or why not?

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