Take Logic. It Just Makes Sense.
I feel safe assuming we all have certain opinions and understandings about our world, that no one takes everything at face value without connecting it to prior events, experiences, etc. A soaking wet dog on a rainy day must have been outside. Randomly kicking someone will likely be taken poorly since most dislike being attacked. These are obviously basic examples of reasoning, but do not let that overshadow the value in developing critical thinking as a proper skill. In fact, for anyone who has the time, I highly recommend taking a course in logic.
While a required course for philosophy majors, logic can be applied to any subject. One specialist teaching logic at Huntington University, Professor Tedla Woldeyohannes, said, “The course covers several topics that focus on various forms of reasoning that we all engage in everyday, in all aspects of our lives. Skills developed in taking the Logic course are extremely valuable to prepare students for law school, criminal justice, communication, journalism, Bible and theology, for any discipline in science, philosophy, etc.” I would also argue that logic even extends into the arts, whether it be stringing events into a coherent narrative, considering how the audience interprets visual information, and more.
To wrap up, I want to end with a bit of logic from Professor Woldeyohannes.
Consider this little argument:
- Reasoning well is better than reasoning poorly.
- Taking a Logic course does help in reasoning well.
- Therefore, taking a Logic course is a step in the right direction of learning to reason well.
If you are not persuaded, what is your reason or argument?
I know I said I wanted to end on that quote, but before I go, if you are interested in learning more about philosophy at Huntington University, visit huntington.edu/CTP.
