Paragraphs are small and somewhat minimalist. This, however, is not a criticism. Explanations are short and effective. Terms build upon terms and concepts upon concepts. There are not examples for every single instance, but there are always examples to show how the concepts discussed in the chapter work together.
Chapters are well-organized and short. Exercises are interesting and challenging for that matter, the content matter is, too , and they reflect what is discussed in the chapters. I regularly review online course design and textbooks, and while I always find these reviews stimulating, this is the first time in a long time where I really wanted to take a course in this topic and ask questions about the content and application.
The formatting style, complete with chapter and section numbers, is consistent throughout. There is not much color—nor does there need to be—but for what there is, it is also consistent.
DeLancey warns the reader of terminology that has different names but refers to the same concept. He even states that he may use certain terms interchangeably; however, these terms were not difficult to follow, and the interchangeable use was minimal. Most chapters are about ten pages. They include explanations, examples, and problems exercises. These chapters could be easily assigned to students.
It is conceivable that one might assume sections in order to introduce students to certain concepts, but the text is written in such a way that concepts build on one another. In addition, a method for representing logic, which includes signs and symbols, is introduced.
With that in mind, unless students had prior experience with the material, it would not be advisable to reorganize the chapters. In my mind, the chapters and sections are very much dependent on their ordering. The Reviewer's Notes provide an accurate overview of the text's organization. This is also reflected in the Table of Contents.
From start to finish, the text introduces concepts and builds on them to move from basic to more advanced applications. The text is in a Pressbooks style. The PDF was easy to navigate. There appear to be two primary typefaces, a serif and sans serif font. Both were easy to read. Charts, tables, and images have rendered well. I observed no distracting pixelation, blurring, or alignment errors with these visuals.
DeLancey's style is easy to read. I observed no significant errors in grammar or punctuation. DeLancey has been careful to include examples from various persons, both male and female, from a variety of cultures, races, and backgrounds. He also varies his use of pronouns, sometimes using he or she, sometimes he, sometimes she. The conciseness of the chapters, sections, paragraphs, and sentences is to be commended.
The organization and structure is also easy to follow. I came to this book on the Open Textbook Library looking for a text for my introductory composition and rhetoric students. While I found some things that would be applicable to them, I found that the text was more in line with a philosophy or more traditional course in rhetoric than what I would typically present to first-year composition students.
That said, I found the style and content of the book fascinating. I enjoyed doing the exercises, and I can visualize how students could use this text to confidently develop fundamental skills in using logic and representing it in truth tables and proofs. A Concise Introduction to Logic is an introduction to formal logic suitable for undergraduates taking a general education course in logic or critical thinking, and is accessible and useful to any interested in gaining a basic understanding of logic.
This text takes the unique approach of teaching logic through intellectual history; the author uses examples from important and celebrated arguments in philosophy to illustrate logical principles. The text also includes a basic introduction to findings of advanced logic. As indicators of where the student could go next with logic, the book closes with an overview of advanced topics, such as the axiomatic method, set theory, Peano arithmetic, and modal logic.
Throughout, the text uses brief, concise chapters that readers will find easy to read and to review. He received his Ph. He has been a fellow of the Center for the Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh, a fellow of the National Endowment of the Humanities, and has received research funding from the Army Institute of Basic Research.
When not teaching philosophy or doing research, he writes science fiction. Content Accuracy rating: 5 The author writes with care and leaves little room for misunderstanding. Clarity rating: 5 The author is painstaking in his quest for clarity, Consistency rating: 5 Logical consistency is the sine qua non of a book of this kind. The style and structure are consistent throughout, Modularity rating: 5 The text can be assigned by individual chapter.
Interface rating: 5 I see no errors. Grammatical Errors rating: 5 I have encountered no serious grammatical errors, or any really. Comments I intend to use this book as a refresher so that I can add more formal consideration of arguments as an element of my teaching. Content Accuracy rating: 5 I found no errors or biases in the text; it accurately presents its field of logic. Clarity rating: 5 The text is well-designed and clearly written for its intended audience.
Consistency rating: 5 This is a text in logic; as such it makes a virtue of its consistency. Modularity rating: 4 This text is as modular as a systematic introduction to logic can be. Grammatical Errors rating: 5 The text is written in student-approachable professional English. Cultural Relevance rating: 3 I do not think the content or its presentation is likely to be found culturally insensitive or offensive at all disclosure: I am a Caucasian male.
Content Accuracy rating: 5 The text is accurate, error-free, and unbiased. Clarity rating: 5 The text is clearly organized. Consistency rating: 5 The text is internally consistent. Modularity rating: 5 The text is divided into chapters that individually address each main connective.
Interface rating: 5 The text makes great use of colors and charts. Grammatical Errors rating: 5 The text is free of major spelling and grammar errors. Cultural Relevance rating: 5 The text use a variety of contexts for the problems. Content Accuracy rating: 4 DeLancey's work is careful and meticulous. Clarity rating: 5 This book is what it says it is: a concise introduction.
Consistency rating: 5 The formatting style, complete with chapter and section numbers, is consistent throughout. Modularity rating: 4 Most chapters are about ten pages. Interface rating: 5 The text is in a Pressbooks style. Grammatical Errors rating: 5 DeLancey's style is easy to read. Cultural Relevance rating: 4 DeLancey has been careful to include examples from various persons, both male and female, from a variety of cultures, races, and backgrounds.
Comments The conciseness of the chapters, sections, paragraphs, and sentences is to be commended. Developing a Precise Language 2. Good Arguments 4. Proofs 5. In he received his J. He retired from teaching in , but continues his research and writing. His interests include music, art, opera, environmental issues, fishing, and skiing.
I will continue to use it. I believe that its greatest strength is that it is primarily directed toward students, rather than logicians. Note: it was a good book to begin with.
While there are always a few who trash me, their teaching assistant, the acoustics in the lecture hall, the CD, logic, probability, general education or proofs, it has been several years since anyone has proposed relegating the text to the flames.
Convert currency. Add to Basket. Book Description Condition: new. More information about this seller Contact this seller. Hurley, Patrick J. A Concise Introduction to Logic 7th Edition. Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing , This specific ISBN edition is currently not available. View all copies of this ISBN edition:.
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