Logical laws and logical fallacies.
A syllogism is a frame for your argument consisting of: a major premise, minor premise, and a conclusion. For example:
(1) All men are mortal.
(2) Socrates is a man.
Therefore:
(3) Socrates is mortal.
Logical laws are necessary in formal logic for the proper analysis, deduction, and inference of argument. Without understanding them, it is impossible to form sound arguments. You cannot violate even one logical law without violating the others. To violate one would be to violate all three of them.
The first law of logic is, the law of identity: p is p at the same time and in the same respect. Thus: John Doe is John Doe, son of John Doe Sr. The second law of logic is, the law of non-contradiction: something cannot be true and false at the same time. For example: I am here and I am not here. It is impossible to be at a place and not be at a place at the exact same time. The third laws is, the law of the excluded middle: simply meaning that something is either true or it is not. Example: I am here, or I am not here.
Logical fallacies are simply, errors in reasoning. The most common fallacies in reasoning are:
ad hominem: Latin for "to the man." An arguer who uses ad hominems attacks the person instead of the argument. Whenever an arguer cannot defend his position with evidence, facts or reason, he or she may resort to attacking an opponent either through: labeling, straw man arguments, name calling, offensive remarks and anger.
appeal to ignorance (argumentum ex silentio) appealing to ignorance as evidence for something.(eg. We have no evidence that psychics don't have psychic powers, so they do have psychic powers.) Ignorance about something says nothing about its existence or non-existence.
argument from omniscience: An arguer would need omniscience to know about everyone's beliefs or disbeliefs or about their knowledge. Beware of words like "all," "everyone," "everything," "absolute."
appeal to faith: if the arguer relies on faith as the bases of his argument, then you can gain little from further discussion. Faith, by definition, relies on a belief that does not rest on logic or evidence. Faith depends on irrational thought and produces intransigence.
Understanding how to form a syllogism, recognizing fallacies, and understanding the laws of logic are essential to maintaining proper reasoning. Sticking to this framework keeps one grounded in reality, and helps us find our own boundaries. With the science of logic we can develope a sharp wit and build stronger intellect in the minds of our fellow man.
