Why Study Logic, Essay Example

In response to a question as to what I have actually learned in studying logic, my immediate answer would not be especially encouraging, certainly at first sight.  The reality is that I believe the most valuable result of the study is the confirmed awareness that logic itself exists as a discipline.   That is to say, it is far too easy for most of us to rely on a kind of “personal logic”, and believe we are examining issues in a objective, removed way when, in fact, we are continually evaluating them as our biases allow.   In actual study of the subject, it is learned that the science does truly exist, and can be practiced to achieve the pathways to thinking we actually do require to completely assess a thing or circumstance.

Moreover, it is immensely important that logic be studied because it literally liberates thought.  With no application of it, we confine ourselves to limited ranges of reason and conviction.  We trap ourselves in the many and varied interpretations we firmly believe to be truths, and we cannot progress in any direction in a clear and free manner.  Logic validates conclusions, and the lack of logic weakens any argument.  This is not to say that logic demands complete obedience; it is, nonetheless, all the more valuable because the use of it opens vistas of thinking otherwise not explored.   Then, logic can be incorporated to enhance other approaches, and to add weight to opinions and beliefs arrived at through less careful means.

I also think that, as with my first remark, logic is important because of its standing as a discipline.   To my mind, it is a mental variation on physical training.  It calls for a commitment of energy and focus, and most of us can certainly benefit from a consistent effort to better use our mental processes.   Even if a “logical” conclusion is unwanted,  the process is instilled, a skill is taken on, and the mental talents of organized thinking needed for logic can assist a person in every aspect of their lives.