Logic (from the Greek λογική, logikē)1 refers to both the
study of modes of reasoning (which are valid and which are fallacious)
2 and the use of valid reasoning. In the latter sense, logic is used in most intellectual activities, including philosophy and
science, but in the first sense, is primarily studied in the disciplines of philosophy, mathematics, semantics, and computer
science. It examines general forms that arguments
may take. In mathematics, it is the
study of valid inferences within some formal language.3 Logic is also studied in argumentation theory.4
Logic was studied in several ancient civilizations, including India,5 China,6 and Greece. In the west, logic was established as a formal discipline by Aristotle, who gave it a fundamental place in philosophy. The
study of logic was part of the classical trivium, which also included grammar and rhetoric.
Logic is often divided into three parts, inductive reasoning, abductive reasoning, and deductive reasoning.
What are you working on Charles?
Oh, I am doing logic homework!
What is it about?
Oh, its a subject about reasoning in a logical manner, I am doing a
proof that involves the transitive
property of
equality.
