Define logic and explain the uses of the study of logic.

Logic provides us with the methods and techniques for evaluating right and wrong reasoning. Thus, it is concerned with the norms / standards / ideals to distinguish between correct and incorrect reasoning. That is why logic is defined as the normative study of reasoning. According to Creighton, logic is the science which treats of the operations of the human mind in its search for truth. In other words, it is defined as the science of thought or as the science which investigates the process of thinking. Copi and Cohen define the function of logic as ‘the study of the methods and principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning’. Scientific study in any field is based on correct reasoning and hence logic is considered as the basic science of sciences. Logic is the study of reasoning process as expressed in language. A student of logic can definitely grasp the means to analyze knowledge in any field according to specific standards of truth. 

Logic as the science of reasoning enables us to develop order and coherence in thinking. A careful study of logic will help us to avoid ambiguities in expression. It highlights the fallacies related the use of language. Logic prescribes the methods to convert ordinary sentences into logical statements or propositions. This will help us to attain clarity in the structure and meaning of sentences and arguments. Hence, the study of logic will make us aware of the fallacies hidden under the metaphorical and ornamental language in newspaper reports and public speeches. Scientific study in any field should be based on correct reasoning and hence logic is considered as

the basic science of sciences. 

Logic is therefore crucial to the methodology of science. It is both the normative and regulative science of thinking. Its dual concern for material and formal truth is the

core of the hypothetico-deductive method adopted in scientific investigation. Thus, logical analysis is essential for testing scientific hypotheses. There is no doubt about the value of logic in the fields of law and crime investigation. Judges and lawyers are always keen on the logical coherence of arguments in law courts. Detectives and police officers apply the tools of logic to discover the loopholes in crime investigation.

 A careful study of logic guards us against the common errors in reasoning such as hasty generalization and ambiguity. Thus, the study of logic guarantees training in detecting fallacies in judgments and arguments. That is why we consider logic not only as the science of reasoning but also as the art of argumentation. It is true that a person who had not studied logic can do well in making and analyzing arguments. This is possible because reasoning power is an inborn skill of human mind. Anyway, a proper training of this natural skill will definitely improve it. This is true as in the case of a ‘born athlete’ who can win medals if trained properly by an athletic coach.